Living Believers Caught Up First When Jesus Comes To Catch Up The Church
When discussing the momentous event of Jesus' return and the catching up of the church, the Bible offers profound insights into the destiny of living believers. This article aims to delve into the biblical understanding of this event, exploring the sequence of events and the ultimate destination of those who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord. Understanding this eschatological event is crucial for believers, as it shapes our hope and anticipation for the future. This article will explore the timing and manner of this catching up, drawing upon key scriptures to provide a comprehensive overview.
The Rapture: A Biblical Overview
The rapture, a term often used to describe the catching up of the church, is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology. This event, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, involves the resurrection of deceased believers and the transformation of living believers, who will then be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This passage provides a foundational understanding of the rapture, highlighting its sudden and transformative nature. The passage states, "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord." This vivid description underscores the imminent and glorious nature of this event.
The concept of the rapture is further supported by 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, which speaks of a mystery: "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." This passage emphasizes the instantaneous transformation that will occur, highlighting the miraculous nature of the rapture. The use of the phrase "in the twinkling of an eye" underscores the suddenness and swiftness of this event, leaving no room for a gradual or protracted transition.
Understanding the rapture involves recognizing its distinctiveness from the Second Coming. While both events involve the return of Christ, the rapture is often understood as a pre-tribulation event, occurring before the tribulation period. This view is supported by the promise in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, which states, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse suggests that believers will be spared from the wrath to come, which is often associated with the tribulation period. The rapture, therefore, serves as a deliverance for believers, rescuing them from the impending judgment.
Living Believers: The First to Meet the Lord
When Jesus comes to catch up the church, living believers will be caught up first to meet the Lord in the air, as explicitly stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. This passage provides a clear sequence of events: the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by the living believers who will be caught up together with them. This order is crucial in understanding the chronology of the rapture.
The concept of being "caught up" (Greek: harpazo) implies a sudden and forceful removal. This term underscores the supernatural nature of the event, as believers are taken from earth to meet the Lord in the air. The image of being caught up in the clouds further emphasizes the heavenly destination of believers, as they are transported to be with Christ.
It is important to note that this catching up is not an isolated event but is closely linked to the resurrection of the dead in Christ. The resurrection of deceased believers precedes the transformation and catching up of living believers, highlighting the priority of the resurrection in God's plan. This sequence ensures that all believers, both living and deceased, will participate in the rapture.
The experience of living believers at the rapture will be transformative. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 describes how they will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, receiving glorified bodies that are incorruptible and immortal. This transformation is essential for believers to be able to dwell in the presence of God, as our earthly bodies are not suited for the glory of heaven. The glorified bodies will be like Christ's resurrected body, enabling believers to experience the fullness of joy and fellowship with God.
This immediate catching up of living believers underscores the hope and anticipation of the church. It is a reminder that the rapture is not a distant event but could occur at any moment. This imminence should motivate believers to live lives of holiness and faithfulness, always ready for the Lord's return.
Together with the Saints of the Old Testament
While the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 focuses specifically on the catching up of living believers together with those who have died in Christ, it is crucial to consider the broader context of God's redemptive plan, which includes the saints of the Old Testament. The Bible teaches that all believers, both Old Testament and New Testament saints, will ultimately share in the same glorious destiny.
Old Testament saints, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, lived by faith in God and looked forward to the coming Messiah. Hebrews 11 provides a comprehensive overview of these heroes of faith, highlighting their endurance and commitment to God. These saints, though they died before the coming of Christ, are considered righteous because of their faith, as Romans 4:3 states, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."
The question arises: when will these Old Testament saints be resurrected and glorified? While 1 Thessalonians 4:16 specifically mentions the resurrection of the dead in Christ, other passages shed light on the resurrection of Old Testament saints. Daniel 12:2 states, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." This verse suggests a general resurrection that includes both the righteous and the wicked.
It is often understood that the resurrection of the Old Testament saints will occur at the same time as the resurrection of New Testament believers, either at the rapture or at the Second Coming. Some scholars believe that the Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the rapture, joining the New Testament believers in meeting the Lord in the air. This view emphasizes the unity of the body of Christ, which includes all believers from all ages.
Other scholars believe that the Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the Second Coming, when Christ returns to establish His earthly kingdom. This view is supported by passages such as Revelation 20:4, which speaks of a resurrection of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God. Regardless of the precise timing, it is clear that the Old Testament saints will ultimately share in the resurrection and glorification promised to all believers.
The catching up of living believers, therefore, is not an isolated event but a part of God's broader plan to redeem and glorify all His people. Whether the Old Testament saints are resurrected at the rapture or the Second Coming, they will ultimately be united with New Testament believers in the presence of God. This unity is a testament to God's faithfulness and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to all who believe.
The Ultimate Destination: Being with the Lord
The ultimate destination for both living and deceased believers who are caught up is to be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 concludes with the assurance that "so we will always be with the Lord." This promise underscores the eternal nature of our fellowship with Christ. Being with the Lord is the culmination of our salvation, the fulfillment of our deepest longings, and the source of our greatest joy.
This eternal union with Christ is not merely a physical presence but a spiritual communion. It involves an intimate relationship with God, where we experience His love, grace, and glory in their fullness. Being with the Lord means being in a place where there is no more sorrow, pain, or death, as Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
The promise of being with the Lord also implies participation in His eternal kingdom. Believers will reign with Christ, sharing in His glory and authority. 2 Timothy 2:12 states, "If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us." This promise underscores the responsibility that comes with our salvation. Believers are called to endure in faith, living lives that are pleasing to God, so that they may fully participate in His eternal kingdom.
The anticipation of being with the Lord should motivate believers to live lives of holiness and faithfulness. 1 John 3:2-3 states, "Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." This passage highlights the transformative power of hope. The hope of being with the Lord should inspire us to purify ourselves, striving to live in accordance with God's will.
In conclusion, when Jesus comes to catch up the church, living believers will be caught up first to meet the Lord in the air, together with the resurrected saints. This event is a part of God's larger plan to redeem and glorify all believers, both Old Testament and New Testament. The ultimate destination is to be with the Lord, experiencing eternal fellowship and reigning with Him in His kingdom. This hope should motivate believers to live lives of holiness and faithfulness, always ready for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The catching up of living believers when Jesus comes is a central tenet of Christian eschatology. Understanding this event, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, provides believers with hope and anticipation for the future. Living believers will be caught up first to meet the Lord in the air, a transformative event that underscores the miraculous nature of God's redemptive plan. This catching up is not an isolated event but is part of God's broader plan to redeem and glorify all His people, including the saints of the Old Testament. The ultimate destination for all believers is to be with the Lord, experiencing eternal fellowship and reigning with Him in His kingdom. This understanding should motivate believers to live lives of holiness and faithfulness, always ready for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
