EP. 247 Is the Rapture Biblical?

timscott
May 11
4 min read

To View the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JaZSJLIJ-3A

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SHOW NOTES

This week, Tim continues our brand-new end times series with a crucial question many Christians wrestle with: Is the rapture biblical? While the word "rapture" may not appear in the English Bible, the doctrine of the rapture is clearly taught in Scripture. In this episode, we dive into what the Bible actually says about the rapture, where it appears in Scripture, and why it's not only biblically sound — it's a blessed hope for every believer in Christ.

1. "The Word Rapture Isn’t in the Bible" — A Common Misconception

One of the most frequent objections to the rapture is that the term itself doesn’t appear in the Bible. But the same could be said of other essential doctrines like the Trinity — a concept foundational to Christian theology, even though the word itself isn’t found in the text. Tim explains that the term “rapture” comes from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Greek word harpazō, found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which means “to snatch away” or “to be caught up.” The Latin word is raptura, from which we derive our English term rapture. So while the word may not appear in modern translations, the truth of the rapture absolutely does.

2. Interpreting Scripture Literally and Thoughtfully

Tim draws on the wise interpretive principle stated by Dr. David L. Cooper:

“When the plain sense of Scripture makes sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense.”

This means we approach God’s Word with humility, allowing it to say what it says — literally, plainly, and within its proper context — unless the passage clearly indicates symbolism or metaphor. This principle is especially vital when studying prophecy and eschatology.

3. Distinguishing Israel and the Church in Bible Prophecy

A foundational key to understanding end-times prophecy is recognizing that Israel and the Church are distinct entities in God’s redemptive plan. The Church was a mystery hidden in the Old Testament and revealed in the New (Ephesians 3:4–6).God still has unfulfilled promises to national Israel under the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12, 15, 17), which He will fulfill during the future 70th week of Daniel — the Tribulation period — which we studied in Episode 246. Understanding this distinction helps us interpret prophetic timelines accurately and see why the Church is not destined to endure God’s wrath.

4. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 — The Foundational Rapture Passage

This powerful passage outlines the order of events in the rapture:

Jesus will descend from heaven with a commanding shout,
The dead in Christ will rise first,
Then we who are alive will be caught up (harpazō) to meet the Lord in the air,
And we will forever be with Him.

This is not poetic imagery — it's a literal promise of a sudden, supernatural gathering of believers to Christ. Paul gave this teaching not to incite fear, but to bring hope and comfort to grieving believers.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 — The Rapture and “The Day of the Lord”

In the very next chapter, Paul contrasts believers with unbelievers during “the Day of the Lord” — a future time of divine judgment. Paul says this day will come like a thief in the night, catching the world by surprise. But Christians are not in darkness. We are children of the light and will not be overtaken by this judgment because:

“God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9).

This verse strongly supports a pre-tribulational rapture — the idea that the Church will be removed before God’s judgment falls during the Tribulation. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be alert, live soberly, and find comfort in the promise of salvation and deliverance.

6. The Timing: Why the Rapture Could Happen at Any Moment

Unlike the Second Coming — which is preceded by specific signs and events — the rapture is described as imminent. It could occur at any time, without warning.

Jesus likens it to a thief breaking in unexpectedly.
Paul reinforces that the world will be going about life as usual — “peace and safety” — when sudden destruction comes (1 Thess. 5:3).
This is a separate event from Christ’s return to earth to reign — in the rapture, believers meet the Lord in the air.

7. The Purpose of the Tribulation: Not for the Church

One of the most compelling reasons for the rapture is rooted in God’s character and redemptive purpose. The Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th week) is a time of:

Global judgment (Revelation 6–18)
The rise of the Antichrist
The outpouring of God’s wrath
And ultimately, the purification and restoration of Israel (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:25–27)

The Church — the redeemed Bride of Christ — is not appointed for wrath (1 Thess. 5:9) and has already been forgiven and justified. God has a different purpose for the Church and for Israel in the last days.

8. Conclusion: A Biblical Promise You Can Trust

The rapture isn’t a fantasy invented by theologians afraid of suffering — it’s a clear, biblical truth. From Paul’s letters to Revelation, from the prophetic calendar of Daniel to the words of Jesus Himself, Scripture consistently reveals a coming event where God will rescue His people before the final judgment.

We don’t need to speculate. We don’t need to fear. We simply need to stay awake, stay ready, and fix our hope on Christ’s return.

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:18)

Listen now wherever you stream podcasts and subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of this 5-part series! Next week: What is the Tribulation, and who is it for?