The Term Rapture Explained

There are some who claim that the rapture is not a real event because the word “rapture” is not found in Scripture. However, when we understand the meaning of this word and how it came into English, we realize that the absence of English translations directly using the term “rapture” does not diminish its relevance. The concept of the rapture originates in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The Latin translation of “caught up” (NKJV) uses rapiemur, meaning “snatched away.” From this Latin rendering, the English word rapture is derived. Since the Latin rapiemur is itself a translation of the Greek term, many English translations chose to use the phrase “caught up” to convey the original Greek meaning without relying on the Latin intermediary. Thus, the concept of the rapture, understood as a “sudden snatching away,” is explicitly stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Then we, who remain living, at the same time will be snatched in clouds together with them to a meeting of the Lord in the air. And thus we will always be closely associated with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

The rapture is a real event that will occur in an indivisible moment when Christ calls His Church to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52). This event must take place before the Tribulation can begin, for the man of lawlessness—who comes with the authority and power of Satan—cannot be revealed until the Church has been removed from the earth. Believers of the Dispensation of Grace are not appointed to any form of wrath but are designated to obtain salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

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