Ready for the Rapture

The Rapture is a term people often use in talking about Jesus Christ returning to take people away from this world. After watching a movie about the Rapture, my niece asked, “what do you think will happen after the Rapture?” I was more concerned about our being ready for the Rapture.

Christians generally believe Jesus will come again. Some christians believe that there is only one Rapture, when Jesus comes at the end of the world. But others believe there will be more than one Rapture, and that there will a period of tribulation and great trouble during the time between these Raptures.

However, the important thing is to be ready in any eventuality of the Lord’s coming. Jesus gave us a parable about beng ready in Matthew 25:1-13: There were ten virgins who were expecting a groom to come. But they did not know the day nor the hour he would come. Five of the virgins who were wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Another five virgins who were foolish did not take any oil with them. At midnight a cry was made “the bridgegroom is coming.” The five wise virgins trimmed their lamps and went out to meet the groom. The five foolish virgins did not have enough oil to go out to meet the bridgegoom. Jesus advises us to watch and pray for you do not know the day nor the hour when the Son of Man is coming (Matthew 24:36-44). The Bible also tells us “now is the day of salvation”—the time for getting ready ( 2 Corinthians 6:23). We should focus on being ready to meet the Lord.

Checking to see if you are ready for the Rapture

Anne Graham Lotz, wrote an article, “Rapture Ready” in Decision magazine, April 2017, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. She focuses on being ready for whenever Jesus comes again. Following are some questions she asks, and some Bible instructions she gives, in helping you to check your preparation for Jesus’ coming.

Are you ready to leave in a moment’s notice?

The Son of man will come in an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:24).

But of that day and hour no one knows …but only the Father (Matt 24:6-37).

Who do you know that needs to hear of Gods love as expressed in John 3:16?

“For God so loved the world t hat he gave his only begotten Son that whoso ever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Have you checked to see if your faith is established on a firm foundation?

Sound faith is built on the Word o God (Romans 10:17).

Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior as the Scriptures say (John 7:38).

Is your faith strong enough to stand in this day of evil? (Matt 24:10-13; Ephesians 6:12-18). Watch and stand fast in the faith, be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13)

What do you need to do to be found holy when Jesus returns for us?