I am looking for a Non-Catholic explination of the Rapture with all biblical references. So if you are a Non-Catholic Christian that believes in the Secret Rapture please explain what this belief is and where it came from. I would like Non-Catholic answers only please, so other Catholics please sit this one out. Thank you!
I believe the Bible teaches two separate things which will mark the end of human history as we know it: the second coming of Christ which will be seen by all and the rapture of the church. These are not the same events. IMO, they are separated by the Great Tribulation mentioned in Rev and other places.
Rapture:
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be **caught up **(harpazo) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
726 αρπαζω harpazo har-pad’-zo
from a derivative of 138; TDNT-1:472,80; v
AV-catch up 4, take by force 3, catch away 2, pluck 2, catch 1, pull 1; 13
- to seize, carry off by force
- to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly
- to snatch out or away
Notice how the Duey version puts this verse.
1 Corinthians 15:
51 ¶ Behold, I tell you a mystery:
We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed–
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Notice that Revelation chapters 1-5 is about the church with 4 & 5 the seen taking place in Heaven. Then for most of the rest of the chapters are about the great tribulation with the nation of Israel being the focus (NO mention of the church).
