by Mark Dykstra

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: January 18, 2009

Whenever I get the chance to pick up the Bible and debate on such topics as the Rapture I am consciously aware it is a book that speaks to me, personally. Because of its one way communication ability it speaks to my mind and spirit and there is no way I can speak back to it. It is a "one-way" communication device. Only you the reader can determine what it means to you.

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There is no other word or term that seems to cause more conflict or arguments than the word "Rapture". Many say the Rapture is a fable, or only reserved for those who are losers and have given up on life. But is it?

First it has to be said that the word Rapture is nowhere mentioned in the Bible. Many see this is as the very reason to not believe in the Rapture, however because the word Rapture isn't mentioned in the Bible that does not mean that a Rapture wont occur according to the biblical texts.

"Rapture" is derived from the Latin verb: 'rapere', of 1 Thess. 4:17 "we will be caught up," 'to carry off' - or 'catch up'.

A dictionary meaning for Rapture says: ' The transporting of a person from one place to another, especially to heaven '.

So when we mention the Rapture, we are talking about what it means, the removing or taking away of the Christian believers just before the seven-year tribulation begins.

Here are just a few of the many references of the Rapture in NIV (New International version) of the Bible.

Christ will bring his Church (his believers) to a place he prepared: John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Some examples of scripture that point to a Rapture are found in the following texts:

Church is not appointed to wrath - 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9

The Church will be raptured - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

There are even more references to the church being delivered from the tribulation. Also, remember what happened back in the days of Noah. In a way there was a rapture that occurred then also. Noah and his family, the only true believers and followers of God, were removed from the earth (raptured) by the safety of God and the Ark, while the rest of the earth's people suffered and died in the world flood.

Then there was Lot and his families that were rescued by an angel just before

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