do you have to know about the rapture, to be taken in it?

[janeelaine]

"the rapture" is a hard one for me. ive read the verses concerning it, but its one of those things that i find tough to believe, in the way that i hear people talk about it. it just sounds so fantastical. will we really be "caught up in the air?"

if someone believes in God and Jesus's saving words, do they have to have faith in the rapture, in order to be taken in it?

i havent been too concerned with it, because to me it pales in comparison to simply being saved at one point or another... its just so much more to study... for some reason, thats the hard one for me, to be sure of one way or another.

i hesitate to celebrate with others about the rapture, though i celebrate knowing all the things i do believe- like Jesus's return and the 1000 years of peace or whatever....

i think my hesitation has to do with, being hesitant to jump on what might just be a bandwagon.

is the rapture real? why am i seemingly blocked from being sure one way or another?

ive read a lot about it, but for some reason, have trouble believing in it the way others do. it was a huge enough leap for me just to believe in the bible!!

and THEN there's the pre/post-trib debate... being so unsure about rapture, i dont even touch THAT one!

 

[Eric Nicholas]

No.

 

[TrustandFaith]

Hi @janeelaine! Bless your heart for raising this question. In my recent experience, not all faithful Christian’s are aware of the rapture and it’s not a salvation issue. Rather than go on clumsily and excessively here, I would direct you to a great site for all those natural questions we have. GotQuestions.org. I hope you find it helpful.

What is the blessed hope (Titus 2:13)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the blessed hope (Titus 2:13)? Why is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ referred to as the blessed hope?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[Andy C]

"the rapture" is a hard one for me. ive read the verses concerning it, but its one of those things that i find tough to believe, in the way that i hear people talk about it. it just sounds so fantastical. will we really be "caught up in the air?"

if someone believes in God and Jesus's saving words, do they have to have faith in the rapture, in order to be taken in it?

i havent been too concerned with it, because to me it pales in comparison to simply being saved at one point or another... its just so much more to study... for some reason, thats the hard one for me, to be sure of one way or another.

i hesitate to celebrate with others about the rapture, though i celebrate knowing all the things i do believe- like Jesus's return and the 1000 years of peace or whatever....

i think my hesitation has to do with, being hesitant to jump on what might just be a bandwagon.

is the rapture real? why am i seemingly blocked from being sure one way or another?

ive read a lot about it, but for some reason, have trouble believing in it the way others do. it was a huge enough leap for me just to believe in the bible!!

and THEN there's the pre/post-trib debate... being so unsure about rapture, i dont even touch THAT one!

All Christians will be taken in the rapture regardless of what they believe in regards to the timing of the rapture.

From Jack Kelley, who now resides in Heaven:

“The faith that saved you was a gift from God. At that moment the Holy Spirit was sealed inside you as a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance (Ephes. 1:13-14). A part of your inheritance is inclusion in the Rapture. There isn’t a single verse in the New Testament that says some born again Christians will be left behind. It doesn’t matter when you believe it will happen, or even if you believe it will happen, if you are a born again believer and alive at the time you’ll go with the Church in the Rapture.

Speaking of that time, Paul said, “After that we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thes. 4:17). He didn’t say “some of us” or “we who are deserving” or “we who have faith” he said we who are alive.”

Faith In The Rapture? – Grace thru faith

gracethrufaith.com

 

[1LoverofGod]

"the rapture" is a hard one for me. ive read the verses concerning it, but its one of those things that i find tough to believe, in the way that i hear people talk about it. it just sounds so fantastical. will we really be "caught up in the air?"

if someone believes in God and Jesus's saving words, do they have to have faith in the rapture, in order to be taken in it?

i havent been too concerned with it, because to me it pales in comparison to simply being saved at one point or another... its just so much more to study... for some reason, thats the hard one for me, to be sure of one way or another.

i hesitate to celebrate with others about the rapture, though i celebrate knowing all the things i do believe- like Jesus's return and the 1000 years of peace or whatever....

i think my hesitation has to do with, being hesitant to jump on what might just be a bandwagon.

is the rapture real? why am i seemingly blocked from being sure one way or another?

ive read a lot about it, but for some reason, have trouble believing in it the way others do. it was a huge enough leap for me just to believe in the bible!!

and THEN there's the pre/post-trib debate... being so unsure about rapture, i dont even touch THAT one!

For the believer The Rapture is our Blessed Hope.

"waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
Titus 2:13 ESV

Throughout scripture we are admonished to be in Scripture because this is The Word of God and it's through The Word of God that we know about Jesus and Salvation.
Part of scripture is the mystery of the Old Testament that was revealed to the Apostle Paul by Jesus, the mystery of the church and when Paul spoke to the Church he disclosed the blessed hope about the Rapture.

51 "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."
1 Corinthians 15:51-53

15 "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

It's the Rapture Jesus spoke of in John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also"

Scripture shows there's a difference between Jesus appearing for the church and we are caught up to meet Him in the air, and His second coming when the church come back with Him and Jesus steps on the Mt of Olives.

1 Thessalonians 4:17
Revelation 19:14
Zechariah 14:4

If you read Revelation 5:8-10 you will read about 24 Elders, these represent the church, we know this by what they say when they sing a new song in verses 9-10..

"You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.”

Notice the Elders have been redeemed from every Tribe and Tongue and People and Nation. This describes the church.

So, the church is in heaven during the seven year Tribulation.

It Is relevant to us to know about, because we are to be watching and waiting for our blessed hope, and this is why Jesus said to be ready.

"You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40

 

[Kaatje]

if someone believes in God and Jesus's saving words, do they have to have faith in the rapture, in order to be taken in it?

The short answer is: No.
The long answer is: Thank God, no.

I feel with you. When I think too long about it, it sometimes does seems too fantastical to be true.

But the same goes for all miracles in the Bible.
And the fact that God loves me so much, that He sent His Son to die on a cross to save me?
That is the biggest miracle of all.

So, in comparison, the Rapture is not too fantastical to believe. At all.

 

[Almost Heaven]

The short answer is: No.
The long answer is: Thank God, no.

I feel with you. When I think too long about it, it sometimes does seems too fantastical to be true.

But the same goes for all miracles in the Bible.
And the fact that God loves me so much, that He sent His Son to die on a cross to save me?
That is the biggest miracle of all.

So, in comparison, the Rapture is not too fantastical to believe. At all.

Great answer!

 

[1LoverofGod]

The short answer is: No.
The long answer is: Thank God, no.

I feel with you. When I think too long about it, it sometimes does seems too fantastical to be true.

But the same goes for all miracles in the Bible.
And the fact that God loves me so much, that He sent His Son to die on a cross to save me?
That is the biggest miracle of all.

So, in comparison, the Rapture is not too fantastical to believe. At all.

Amen.
If we think about it, children under the age of accountability are automatically saved and may not understand the Rapture doctrine. Then there's the thief on the cross next to Jesus who didn't know about the Rapture yet because he believed in Jesus, Jesus told him "today you will be with me in Paradise".

My apologies for not understanding the question.
The only pre requisite for salvation is Believing in Jesus.

 

[Spartan Sprinter]

No.

You know how to cut to the heart of me Baxter LOL

 

[Tall Timbers]

If we think about it, children under the age of accountability are automatically saved and may not understand the Rapture doctrine

I don't think that's 100% established.

 

[1LoverofGod]

I don't think that's 100% established.

I was under the impression that children are going to be Raptured even if they aren't able to understand what it takes to be saved. I must have misunderstood this theology. My mistake.
I retract my comment.

 

[Margery]

I was under the impression that children are going to be Raptured even if they aren't able to understand what it takes to be saved. I must have misunderstood this theology. My mistake.
I retract my comment.

I think it works like this

Children who are not yet accountable for their actions are not held accountable for not being able to yet choose salvation so they go up (age of accountability which can vary as some have the mind of a baby or child all their lives, so their age is far older, while other children grasp that idea earlier so their age of accountability is earlier)

That's a bit different than being automatically saved. The end result is that they are safe because they aren't accountable.

But once they hit their own accountability age marker whatever age God who knows their heart decides on (again, might be a diff age based on mental emotional and reasoning capacity) then if they are not saved they stay.

And everyone else over the age of accountability who HAS chosen Christ for salvation goes up, in the Rapture whether they understand or not.

So
Under the age of accountablity (which varies according to mental emotional and reasoning capacity) they are exempt from the judgment that falls on every one over that age.

They are neither saved nor unsaved, they are too young in mental capacity to make that choice. They are exempt.

Over that age people are divided into Saved and Not Saved. Saved are going up. Unsaved stay down here.

Once people die they have no further choice, the choice becomes final. If they die before accountability- they are exempt. If they die after accountability they face heaven or hell depending on the choice they made in life.

 

[1LoverofGod]

I think it works like this

Children who are not yet accountable for their actions are not held accountable for not being able to yet choose salvation so they go up (age of accountability which can vary as some have the mind of a baby or child all their lives, so their age is far older, while other children grasp that idea earlier so their age of accountability is earlier)

That's a bit different than being automatically saved. The end result is that they are safe because they aren't accountable.

But once they hit their own accountability age marker whatever age God who knows their heart decides on (again, might be a diff age based on mental emotional and reasoning capacity) then if they are not saved they stay.

And everyone else over the age of accountability who HAS chosen Christ for salvation goes up, in the Rapture whether they understand or not.

So
Under the age of accountablity (which varies according to mental emotional and reasoning capacity) they are exempt from the judgment that falls on every one over that age.

They are neither saved nor unsaved, they are too young in mental capacity to make that choice. They are exempt.

Over that age people are divided into Saved and Not Saved. Saved are going up. Unsaved stay down here.

Once people die they have no further choice, the choice becomes final. If they die before accountability- they are exempt. If they die after accountability they face heaven or hell depending on the choice they made in life.

That's what I thought but I made the statement without the explanation. Saved shouldn't have been said, but Raptured.
Thank you for the details.

 

[Andy C]

I think it works like this

Children who are not yet accountable for their actions are not held accountable for not being able to yet choose salvation so they go up (age of accountability which can vary as some have the mind of a baby or child all their lives, so their age is far older, while other children grasp that idea earlier so their age of accountability is earlier)

That's a bit different than being automatically saved. The end result is that they are safe because they aren't accountable.

But once they hit their own accountability age marker whatever age God who knows their heart decides on (again, might be a diff age based on mental emotional and reasoning capacity) then if they are not saved they stay.

And everyone else over the age of accountability who HAS chosen Christ for salvation goes up, in the Rapture whether they understand or not.

So
Under the age of accountablity (which varies according to mental emotional and reasoning capacity) they are exempt from the judgment that falls on every one over that age.

They are neither saved nor unsaved, they are too young in mental capacity to make that choice. They are exempt.

Over that age people are divided into Saved and Not Saved. Saved are going up. Unsaved stay down here.

Once people die they have no further choice, the choice becomes final. If they die before accountability- they are exempt. If they die after accountability they face heaven or hell depending on the choice they made in life.

I believe the same as you wrote, but there is very limited scripture that might imply the age of accountability is true.

King Davids young child has died:

2 Samuel 12:
19 David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.”
20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
21 His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”
22 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.’
23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Apparently this is a subject matter, about children, that varies in understanding by different Bible teachers. I guess we won't know for sure until the rapture happens.

This is Jack Kelley's belief on this from gracethrufaith.com

Many evangelical teachers, myself included, believe that at the Rapture all children including those still in the womb will be taken regardless of the spiritual condition of their parents.

This comes from Paul’s statement that once he was alive apart from the Law and then when He came under the law sin sprang to life and he died. (Romans 7:9) I believe he was saying that he had eternal life as a child, but when he reached the age of accountability he became responsible for his sins and needed a Savior.

To me this means that God does not hold children accountable for their sins and considers them qualified for the Rapture.

Children And The Rapture – Grace thru faith

gracethrufaith.com

 

[Andy C]

Apparently this is a subject matter, about children, that varies in understanding by different Bible teachers. I guess we won't know for sure until the rapture happens.

This is Jack Kelley's belief on this from gracethrufaith.com

Many evangelical teachers, myself included, believe that at the Rapture all children including those still in the womb will be taken regardless of the spiritual condition of their parents.

This comes from Paul’s statement that once he was alive apart from the Law and then when He came under the law sin sprang to life and he died. (Romans 7:9) I believe he was saying that he had eternal life as a child, but when he reached the age of accountability he became responsible for his sins and needed a Savior.

To me this means that God does not hold children accountable for their sins and considers them qualified for the Rapture.

Children And The Rapture – Grace thru faith

gracethrufaith.com

This is one of the few teachings from Jack that Im not sure about. I cant recall any other bible teacher that interprets Romans 7 the same as Jack. However, could be, who knows?

I do believe we know enough about the character of God, the just actions, would He allow the innocent child who dies to spend eternity in hell before he was old enough to make a decision for or against Him? I dont think so.

 

[1LoverofGod]

This is one of the few teachings from Jack that Im not sure about. I cant recall any other bible teacher that interprets Romans 7 the same as Jack. However, could be, who knows?

I do believe we know enough about the character of God, the just actions, would He allow the innocent child who dies to spend eternity in hell before he was old enough to make a decision for or against Him? I dont think so.

**I find Jesus words about children encouraging

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

There are going to be a LOT of Christians, who are surprised, when the Rapture happens

 

[Andy C]

There are going to be a LOT of Christians, who are surprised, when the Rapture happens

I assume you’re referencing those who are mid or post trib rapture believers? Surprised at the timing of their departure with the church?

 

[Andiamo]

"the rapture" is a hard one for me. ive read the verses concerning it, but its one of those things that i find tough to believe, in the way that i hear people talk about it. it just sounds so fantastical. will we really be "caught up in the air?"

if someone believes in God and Jesus's saving words, do they have to have faith in the rapture, in order to be taken in it?

i havent been too concerned with it, because to me it pales in comparison to simply being saved at one point or another... its just so much more to study... for some reason, thats the hard one for me, to be sure of one way or another.

i hesitate to celebrate with others about the rapture, though i celebrate knowing all the things i do believe- like Jesus's return and the 1000 years of peace or whatever....

i think my hesitation has to do with, being hesitant to jump on what might just be a bandwagon.

is the rapture real? why am i seemingly blocked from being sure one way or another?

ive read a lot about it, but for some reason, have trouble believing in it the way others do. it was a huge enough leap for me just to believe in the bible!!

and THEN there's the pre/post-trib debate... being so unsure about rapture, i dont even touch

God is more powerful than your doubts. Don’t let your doubts put you in fear. Go to God directly and ask Him to show you the truth about the rapture.
I was just talking to my husband about this very thing yesterday - of how fantastical the rapture sounds. Then I remind myself, of what Kaatje so beautifully stated above. Even God Himself can seem fantastical to our human, finite minds…but He is God…in a class of His own. And the things He does are in a class of their own…outside the scope of our human understanding.