We are presently living in what is known as the “Church Age.”  The Church Age is the period of time from the day of Pentecost to the Rapture. It is called the Church Age because it covers the period in which the church is on the earth.  The church began in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit descended and indwelt every believer.  We read in Acts 2:1-4, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  We then read in verses 46-47 that, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”  So, on this day of Pentecost, the church began, and people were added upon their acceptance of Christ as their savior.

This Church Age or “dispensation of grace” will continue until the Lord takes the church out of the world at the Rapture of the church.  We read in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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.”  At this point, all believers on the Lord Jesus, even those who have already passed away, will meet the Lord in the clouds and we will never leave His side again!  This is the blessed hope that all believers long for…a day when the Lord returns for us and takes us to be with Himself in Glory.  I’m reminded of the Lord’s words 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.”

In this Church Age in which we live, there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile.  All who accept Christ as their savior become part of the church, the body of Christ.  We read in Romans 10:12-13, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” We also read in Galatians 3:28 that, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”  However, when this dispensation ends, the Church Age closes.  Since there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, since all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are part of the church…all believers, Jew and Gentile alike will be involved in the Rapture of the church. 

When will the rapture of the church take place?  We are not told, but we do know that it will happen according to the promise of God and that it will be a wonderful event.  May it be said of us as it was said of those in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, “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.”  May we be occupied with serving our Lord and waiting for the soon return of the Lord.  May our constant prayer be, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).  (CC)  (652.2)