Matthew 24:36-51
The rapture: Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. (vv. 40-41) So here’s another argument for evangelism. If all your friends and all the people you hang out with are Christians, what happens when Jesus returns? …one will be taken and one left. So which one of you will go and which one will stay? So make sure you spend some time with non-Christians! (Just kidding…!!)
But as to this rapture… What of it? End-times Bible scholars have different theories of when this rapture will occur – or even if it will occur (as in, maybe we misunderstood Jesus?). But if you believe that there will be a rapture, will this rapture occur before, during, or after the Tribulation? Will it be universal and instantaneous? And does this rapture occur alongside the raising of the dead? The apostle Paul has written, Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15:51-52) It’s intriguing to wonder about these things, but I will let the Bible scholars do their research. God has a plan and He will carry it out. Until He tells me otherwise, my only charge is to obey Him in all that He has spoken to me. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. (v. 46)
See also: October 5 / Matt. 24:36-44; October 6 / Matt. 24:45-51