RAPTURE (Part One)
Memory Verse
“Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed," 1 Corinthians 15:51
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
INTRODUCTION
The second coming of Christ prophesied' by Daniel in Daniel 7: 13 is a sound biblical fact. This return shall be in two s ages. The first, "being like a thief in the night" to receive unto Himself s Church. This is popularly called the rapture. May the Holy Spirit Himself guide us into all truth, in Jesus' name.
OUTLINES
1. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
2. WHEN IS THE RAPTURE?
3. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AI THE RAPTURE?
4. HOW WILL IT HAPPEN?
WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
The word, rapture, is not found anywhere In the Bible although it is used to describe this great upcoming and memorable event. The rapture is the sudden catching up or sudden disappearance of holy and faithful saints from the earth to meet with our Lord and Saviour in the air. It is also referred to as the translation or translocation of believers - 1 Thess.4:16-17; 1 Cor.15:51-58. Examples of such translation in the Old Testament are; Enoch - Gen.5:22-24; Heb.11:5 and Elijah 2 Kings 2:11. It shall be as sudden as the twinkling of an eye -1 Cor.15:52.
WHEN ISTHE RAPTURE?
The exact timing of the occurrence of the rapture is not known Matt.24:42, 44; Matt.25:13; 1 Thess.5:6. We, however, know that it shall precede the tribulation 1 Thess.1:10, 5:9; 2 Thess.2:12.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN ATTHE RAPTURE?
The following are to be expected at the rapture.
i. The trumpet of God shall sound 1 Cor. 2; 1 Thess.4:16.
ii. The dead in Christ shall rise first - In.5:25; 1Thes.4:16; 1 Cor.15:23.
iii. Saints which are alive shall be "caught up" to meet our Lord in the air 1 Thess.4:17; 1 Cor.15:51.
iv. The dead in Christ and saints who are left shall have glorified or immortal bodies and live forever - 1 Cor.15:52-54; Phil.3:20-21; CoI.3:4; 1 John 3:2.
v. There shall be extraordinary chaos on the earth - 1 Thess.5:2-3; Matthew 24:40-41.
HOW Will IT HAPPEN?
- It shall happen suddenly -1 Cor.15:52; 1 Thess.5:3; Matt.24:36-41.
- The power of God shall make the bodies of saints’ immortal PhiI.3:21.
- The sudden "vacancies" produced by such disappearance shall give birth to the chaos.
CONCLUSION
The greatest calamity that could befall anyone' who claims to be a believer is to be on earth a second after the rapture. The one who is coming back for His own "suddenly", warned us to be prepared, at least six times in different parables. Are you alert and ready? Mark 13:32-37.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the rapture?
2.Mention five things that will happen at the rapture.
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: John 3:16 - There is no salvation or eternal life without Jesus Christ. Thank God for His love towards us.
TUESDAY: Philip. 2:12 - Believers must remain in the faith to be raptured. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 25:10 - Be like the wise virgins. Be prepared when the Bridegroom comes.
THURSDAY: Matthew 24:44 - Live every moment like your last, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man comes. ,
FRIDAY: 1 Thess.4:16-17 -At the rapture, the saints will be caught up to meet with Jesus in the air.
SATURDAY: Philipp. 3:20-21 - Our bodies shall be transformed like Christ's glorious body at the rapture.
SUNDAY: Rev. 19:7-9 - The saints will be assembled at the marriage supper of the Lamb
RAPTURE (Part Two)
Memory Verse
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2-3
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 15:50-53
INTRODUCTION
Our last lesson revealed the meaning of the word, rapture. We also discovered events surrounding the rapture as regards timing and other issues. Today's lesson will show us the reasons, the qualification as well as fallacies surrounding the rapture. May the good Lord teach our hearts and bless our lives with His truth by His Spirit, in Jesus' name.
OUTLINES
1. WHY WILL THE RAPTURE TAKE PLACE?
2. WHO VIILL BE RAPTURED?
WHY WILL THE RAPTURE TAKE PLACE?
a. To resurrect the just of all ages from among the dead - 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Psalm 50:1-6. .
b. To take the saints out of the world before the tribulation - Luke 21:34-36; 2 Thess. 2:7-8; 1 Thess.1:10.
c. That Jesus Christ might present to Himself a Church without spots or wrinkles - Ephesians 5:27; John 14:1-3.
d. To transform or change the bodies of all faithful saints from mortality to immortality - Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23, 42-44, 51-58.' .
e. To assemble the saints at the marriage supper of the Lamb - Revelations 19:1-10.
f. To allow the revelation of the anti-Christ - 2 Thess.2:1-8.
g. To present saints to God the Father. 1 Thess.3:13; Jude 24.
h. To make the saints whole in body, soul and spirit - 1 John 3:2-3; Romans 8:22-23.
WHO WILL BE RAPTURED?
- Those who are in Christ at His coming - John 1:12; 2Cor.5:17.
- Those who earnestly desire His appearance - Titus 2:13; Philippians 3:20.
- Those who love the Lord supremely PhiI.3:7-10; Jn.21:15-17; John 14:15; Mark16:15-17
Luke19:12-13.
- Those whose citizenship is in Heaven Phil.3:20-21; Eph.2:19.
- Those who will live holy even as He is holy 1 Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 3:1-3.
CONCLUSION
Let us be sober in watchfulness, always fellowshipping together and keeping the unity of the faith in the bond of peace -1 Thess.5:6, Heb.10:25, Ephesians 4:3.
QUESTIONS
1. Stating six reasons, why will the rapture take place?
2. Mention the categories of people that would be raptured.
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Luke 13:3 - Repent today and you will not perish.
TUESDAY: Matthew 2:13 - Watch and pray because His second coming is imminent and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is inevitable.
WEDNESDAY: Rev. 21:27 - Remain holy as nothing that is defiled shall enter Heaven.
THURSDAY: Matthew 22:3 - Belong to Christ's family and be branded for Him and you will not be cast away
FRIDAY: 1 Timothy 1:14 - Obedience is a great asset to cherish and display always.
SATURDAY: 2 Timothy 2 19 - Stop pretending, the Lord knows those that belong to Him.
SUNDAY: Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb is a moment of great celebration. Do not miss it
