I Corinthians 15:48-57. Vs 57 “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…”
Introduction: The fourth mystery we will be studying this evening is the Myster of the Rapture. Notice how the verse says “we shall not all sleep” that means that some Christians will get to heaven without dying. The mystery is that Jesus Christ will return for the church, that is, every saved believer, before the seven-year tribulation period. The Lord Jesus Christ will meet us in the air and our bodies will be changed. Part of the mystery is that we don’t understand how our bodies can change so fast and how we can go from the first heaven to the third heaven that fast, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”. The other part is that we don’t know when, it’s a mystery. (The rapture is not to be confused with the second coming of Christ, at that time, Jesus Christ literally comes back to the earth to reign and rule. These two events are separated by a period of seven years of tribulation.)
The Rapture- The word rapture does not occur in the Bible however, that is exactly what takes place. The church is removed from the earth to be go through the Judgement seat of Christ in heaven. Enoch is a perfect picture of this rapture in Genesis 5:24. Enoch didn’t die like everyone else in that list.
The Date- The rapture is the next event in prophecy however; we don’t know when. Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ”. This day is at hand, in other words, happening soon.
The Fulfillment- Acts 1:9-11 The angels told the disciples that Jesus Christ would come in like manner.
The Speed- I Corinthians 15:52 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”.
The Process- I Corinthians 15:52 “and we shall be changed.” “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality”. We will receive a new glorified body- I Corinthians 15:40 “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.” Vs 44- “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” According to Philippians 3:21 our bodies will be changed to be “fashioned like unto his glorious body”. This glorified body is going to live eternally with Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:1-2.
The Meeting- I Thessalonians 4:13-18. We will be “caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air”. At this time, Jesus will not come down to the earth just yet, that will take place after the seven year tribulation.
The Exhortation:
If you are not saved, get saved- If you want to be a part of this rapture and you are not born again, get saved. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and accept Him as your personal savior, I Corinthians 15:1-4. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”.
If you are saved- Luke 19:13 “Occupy till I come”. Because we don’t know when this rapture will take place, we should get busy for Jesus Christ, give it all you have. I Corinthians 3:12-15. Start earning rewards for the judgment seat of Christ II Corinthians 5:10.
Live Righteously- Titus 2:12 “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”.Be in Church and get involved in church.Be the best spouse, parent, or child you can be. Walking in the ways of the Lord. Tell others and lead others to Jesus Christ.
Anchor Baptist Church 