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The rapture refers to believers being 'caught up' to meet Christ in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Christians disagree on timing—before, during, or after tribulation. All agree Christ will return, the dead will rise, and believers will be transformed. The focus should be readiness, not speculation.
Why this answer? It starts with 1 Thessalonians 4:17, then cross-checks 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 and Matthew 24:36-44 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
This answer defines the rapture from 1 Thessalonians 4, explains the phrase caught up, and distinguishes shared Christian hope from debated timing views.
The rapture is a key end times doctrine drawn from 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where Paul describes believers being caught up—the Greek word harpazo—to meet the Lord in the air. According to this passage, the dead in Christ will rise first, then living believers will be transformed and gathered to Him. Christians have debated the timing relative to the tribulation: pre tribulation views hold that believers are removed before God's judgment, while post tribulation views place the rapture at the second coming itself. Regardless of position, the day of the Lord remains central to Christian hope. The rapture encourages believers to live in readiness, knowing Christ's return could happen at any moment during these end times.
“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.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17
The Second Coming is Jesus' promised return to earth in glory to judge the living and dead and establish His eternal kingdom. Unlike His first coming as a humble servant, He will return as conquering King. Every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). No one knows the exact timing except the Father.
Revelation is apocalyptic prophecy revealing Jesus Christ's ultimate victory over evil. It contains visions given to John about churches, God's throne, judgments, the fall of Babylon, Christ's return, Satan's defeat, final judgment, and the new heaven and earth. Its message: God wins, so persevere faithfully.
The Antichrist is a future figure who will oppose Christ, deceive many, and demand worship. He's associated with 'the man of lawlessness' (2 Thessalonians 2) and 'the beast' (Revelation 13). John also uses 'antichrist' for anyone denying Christ (1 John 2:18). He will be defeated at Christ's return.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.