Meeting the Lord in the air at His return, was once called the rapture. Many no longer prefer that term because it is so often confused with a so-called “secret” rapture. Regardless of our personal theories, the important thing is that we are ready for Christ’s return. Let’s discuss this in 1 Thessalonians 4.
What was their hope for the saints in Thessaloniki?
Finally then, brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel even more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 NASB)
What should they avoid? Is this warning still ignored by some Christians to their peril?
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 NIV)
For what good trait were they well known?
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 NKJV)
What should be their goal? Is that good advice for us too?
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT)
Was there some need to comfort them regarding death?
But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 WEB)
Is there hope of the resurrection at Christ’s return?
What we are saying is a message from the Lord: we who are alive and still around at the Lord’s coming definitely won’t go ahead of those who have died. This is because the Lord himself will come down from heaven with the signal of a shout by the head angel and a blast on God’s trumpet. First, those who are dead in Christ will rise. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 CEB)
What about those who are still alive at Christ’s return?
Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 CEV)
Meeting the Lord in the air was once called the rapture. Many no longer prefer that term as it seems to have become a word used almost exclusively by a minority who theorize a secret rapture. Yet Christ is foretold to come back as He left, visibly. There is a huge difference between the rapture and a secret rapture. Regardless of our personal theories, the important thing is that we are ready for Christ’s return. Are we? You decide!
