Listen:  99 Question 5

The return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His church is called the ‘blessed hope’ as we read in Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”  The realization that the Lord will return, and could possible return today, gives strength for the journey.  Let’s look at the words of the Lord Jesus in John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  These are words the Lord spoke to His disciples before going to the cross, where He died for the sins of all people.  Here, He assures us that He will come again to take us to be with Himself in Glory.

Even though the word ‘rapture’ is not found in the scriptures, the truth of the rapture is certainly taught.  Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”  The Lord Himself will come for us.  He will not send an angel, or even millions of angels to come get us.  No, He will come Himself to get His bride.  Those believers that have already passed away will rise first; then the believers who are still living will also rise, and together we will all meet the Lord in the clouds.  We then have that most precious promise that we will ever be with the Lord.

The believers in Thessalonica were commended for believing in the soon return of the Lord and for patiently waiting for His return.  1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 says, “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

We can be certain, according to the Word of God, that the Lord Jesus will come again to take His people to Heaven.  What about you, my friend?  Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior?  Will you go with Him when He returns for His church or will you be left behind to face certain death and eternal punishment?  2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  If you have not put your trust in the Lord Jesus, I encourage you to do it today.  Tomorrow may be too late!  (99.5)