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[throwaway]

Do you believe in the idea of the rapture as an event that will take place? If yes, what verses support this idea?

[jimwalton]

I personally am post-trib, amil, but the "Rapture theology (eschatology)" is as follows (source: Clarence Mason):

1. It relates to the Church (1 Cor. 15.23-52)
2. He comes “into the air” only (1 Thes. 4.13-18)
3. Only “the dead in Christ” of the Church are raised from among the dead
3. The “living believers” are also changed
5. The “raised” and “changed” together are taken from the earth to heaven (1 Thes. 4.17).
6. The stages of resurrection are: (a) Christ, on the 3rd day (1 Cor. 15.23); (b) Certain saints (Mt. 27.52-53); (c) The Church (when Christ comes in the air) (1 Thes. 4.13; 1 Cor. 15.51ff.); (d) The OT Saints (at the end of the 70th week) (Dan. 12.2); (e) The Tribulation Saints (at the end of the 70th week) (Rev. 20.4-6).

Some bullets:

• Christ comes in the air for his saints (Jn. 14.3). The Church is caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thes. 4.16-17)
• It was not a subject of OT revelation: “a mystery” (1 Cor. 15.51)
• It relates only to the Church—those “in Christ” (1 Thes. 4.16-17)
• It occurs before Israel’s 70th week, because the Church is not related to Israel’s program, and is exempt from God’s wrath (Rom. 11.1-26; 1 Thes. 5.1-10)
• It terminates “the fullness of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11.1-25).
• It ushers in the judgment seat of Christ—the service of the saints judged in heaven (1 Cor. 3.11ff).
• The NT views the rapture as an imminent event (Jn. 14.1-3; Rom. 13.11-12; 1 Cor. 1.4-7; 15.51-53; Phil. 3.20-21; 1 Thes. 4.16-17).
• The rapture is viewed as a meeting of the Bridegroom (Christ) with the Bride (Church) (Eph. 5.25).
• Christ is viewed as the Morning Star in reference to His coming for the Church (Rev. 2.28; 22.16).
• The rapture is presented as a message of comfort to the Church—a promise to escape the tribulation (1 Thes. 4.18; 5.9-11; Rev. 3.10).
• No personal judgment of unbelievers by Christ at this time.
• Christ comes alone, “Himself” (1 Thes. 4.16)
• Creation unchanged

[Live4Him]

Good, but abbreviated, summary!