How did the doctrine of the "Mystery" revealed to Paul get its conclusion that it's referring to the Rapture of the Church?

[1LoverofGod]

Speaking for myself, I came to learn about this Mystery and accept it as doctrine by reading and listening to many Pastors, Prophecy teachers, and just by word of mouth from other believers who believe in this teaching.
But as I have done my personal bible study and reading the entire context of Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul speaks on the Mystery that was revealed to him, I dont see any reference to the Mystery having a connection to the Rapture of the church.
Maybe those who have studied scripture went beyond Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul details the Mystery, and connect other scripture context with Ephesians chapter 3 to come to that conclusion that jt refers to the Rapture? I dont know, but keeping within the context of Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul is solely focusing on the Mystery itself, I see a different view of what this Mystery was.

First, I consider who Paul is addressing here. He is addressing the church of Ephesus, a Gentile nation.

In Ephesians 3:2 Paul says to the Ephesians,

2 "if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you"

So here Paul begins by telling the Ephesians that a different dispensation was in place that extended God's Grace from the dispensation that God had given to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. So the different dispensation now included Gentiles
Because Jesus appointed Paul as Apostle to the Gentiles, God was using Paul to bring His Grace to the Gentile nations, and here Paul is explaining this to the Ephesians.

Reading further from verses 3-6

3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.

These verses are clear on what that Mystery was, that was revealed to Paul, but the most clear explaination is in verse 6

6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

As I ponder on verse 6, to me it appears that the Mystery was about the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation by "Grace through Faith", when in the previous dispensation before, God had focused on the salvation of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people.
God had already planned on including the Gentile nations when He made His covenant with Abraham.....

"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice"
Genesis 2:18

But, because God began His salvation plan with the focus on His chosen people by through whom the seed of Salvation in Jesus would come. Throughout the Old Testament scriptures we dont see any reference to the Gentiles having God's favor. It focuses on God's persistent focus on the nation of Israel and God's plea to them to repent and to turn away from the idolatry practices of the Gentiles and their focus on looking for deliverance from the oppression and persecution by the Gentile nations and only a remnant would keep looking to God for deliverance while the majority of the nation of Israel continually disobeyed God.
This pattern continued but God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to His people remained and He still sent The Messiah Jesus to bring Salvation to the Jews, but they didnt recognize Jesus as being The Messiah because they still looked for someone with their impression of a deliverer, in the form of a strong military type person who would free them from the oppression and persecution from the Roman Empire, but instead saw a man speaking of love and forgiveness, things that the Jews couldnt see as what they expected from the Messiah they envisioned, so Jesus was rejected as Messiah and the rest we know where it went.

Even with Jesus knowing He was going to die, the promise of salvation didnt end because he was rejected, but He told them

"for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ ”
Matthew 23:39

So God's Redemption plan for Israel did not end at the death of Jesus. But the main focus on the Jewish nation was paused, and God's Redemption plan was now going to extend to the Gentiles in a new dispensation period, and when Jesus appeared to Saul on his way to Damascus, Jesus appointed him to be the Apostle to the Gentile nations and a new dispensation began with the focus on the Gentiles, while Paul still emphasised when preaching the gospel that both Jews and Gentiles now would have God's plan of Salvation in place but first to the Jew and then the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

Paul took part in the formation of the Church which the book of Acts details on the birth of the Church at Pentecost, which put attention to the Gentiles in bringing them to Salvation through believing on Jesus, and accepting the gospel of Jesus.

God's focus has turned His focus of Redemption from Israel alone, to now attention being on the Gentiles until Israel returns to true
worship of God and recognize Jesus as Messiah, and then the focus will return to Israel, after the church is raptured.

"I will return again to My place
Till they acknowledge their offense.
Then they will seek My face;
In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”
Hosea 5:15

The more I pondered on the context of Ephesians 3 and considered God's redemption plan and how He unfolded it from the promise to Abraham of the Seed of Salvation coming from him and his descendants, To Jesus first coming and His ministry, His death, burial and resurrection, and Jesus appearing to Saul who was given the name Paul, and being appointed Apostle to the Gentiles which opened a new dispensation of focus for the gospel of salvation, until the "fullness of the Gentiles". Romans 11:25, and then the dispensation will change back to focus on the Jews.

To me it appears that the Mystery is not the Rapture, rather the Mystery was God's Redemption plan to include Gentiles.
It was a Mystery because in the past, God always had His attention on the nation of Israel for Salvation. None of the Hebrew scriptures explain God's plan for the inclusion of Gentiles which was promised to Abraham, but not understood, until Jesus opened the door for Gentiles to be saved and is why Paul became the one to lead this commission by spreading the gospel of salvation to all the nations until Jesus returns. Matthew 28:19-20.

I understand why it was a mystery when God had His focus on Israel alone for salvation until Jesus changed that by John 3:16, and officially opening that salvation opportunity to the whole world by His appearing to Saul on the road to Damascus.

I have a different view on the Mystery now and it isnt about the Rapture, but about how God's promise to Abraham that through his Seed all the nations would be blessed, that couldnt be explained because God had His focus on Israel for thousands of years until a new dispensation put in place by God included Gentiles and Paul was able to explain why that Mystery could now be understood, but Paul also explained that both Jews and Gentiles are all branches of the Olive Tree, Jesus, in Romans chapter 11.

 

[mattfivefour]

As I ponder on verse 6, to me it appears that the Mystery was about the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan of salvation by "Grace through Faith", when in the previous dispensation before, God had focused on the salvation of the nation of Israel, God's chosen people.
God had already planned on including the Gentile nations when He made His covenant with Abraham.....

Who, himself, was a gentile.

I have a different view on the Mystery now and it isnt about the Rapture, but about how God's promise to Abraham that through his Seed all the nations would be blessed, that couldnt be explained because God had His focus on Israel for thousands of years until a new dispensation put in place by God included Gentiles and Paul was able to explain why that Mystery could now be understood, but Paul also explained that both Jews and Gentiles are all branches of the Olive Tree, Jesus, in Romans chapter 11.

Absolutely. I believe you are correct. I, myself, have never regarded the mystery as the Rapture because Ephesians 3:6 makes it very clear what the mystery is. And it is just as you have expounded above. Fyi, if it matters, you are supported by the vast majority of theologians, Bible expositors, and pastors who agree that the mystery is exclusively referring to the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, and nothing else.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Who, himself, was a gentile.


Absolutely. I believe you are correct. I, myself, have never regarded the mystery as the Rapture because Ephesians 3:6 makes it very clear what the mystery is. And it is just as you have expounded above. Fyi, if it matters, you are supported by the vast majority of theologians, Bible expositors, and pastors who agree that the mystery is exclusively referring to the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, and nothing else.

I have learned while there are many good bible teachers, we should never completely reply on what we hear but to be as The Bereans and check the scriptures to see whether what we hear is so. We are all flawed by nature and even good solid bible teachers can get some things wrong. So its important for us to Use our Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, and read scripture, check and double check, and when comparing with other scriptures to get understanding, do the same to check and recheck, because other scriptures may or may not apply with entire context for understanding.

 

[Andy C]

I have learned while there are many good bible teachers, we should never completely reply on what we hear but to be as The Bereans and check the scriptures to see whether what we hear is so. We are all flawed by nature and even good solid bible teachers can get some things wrong. So its important for us to Use our Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, and read scripture, check and double check, and when comparing with other scriptures to get understanding, do the same to check and recheck, because other scriptures may or may not apply with entire context for understanding.

When I think of the mystery revealed by Paul in regards to the rapture, I think of the below

1 Corinthians 15
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 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. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

 

[1LoverofGod]

When I think of the mystery revealed by Paul in regards to the rapture, I think of the below

1 Corinthians 15
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 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. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

In context, I believe this is a different "mystery" than given in Ephesians chapter 6.
It could be a mystery in this context referring to the promise of glory given to those who are in Christ, which is difficult to fathom since such an event has never happened in the history of mankind.
I would say even now its still a mystery to believers, because we have not yet changed to our glorified bodies to fully grasp understanding of this marvelous change, so for now, we can only imagine.
I think we will find throughout scripture some reference to words may appear the same unless we understand some considerations in context surrounding verses we read, with different uses for some words depending on how they are used in the original greek or hebrew writings, and how they were used before our modern era of translations of scripture. We also get accustomed to our favorite teachers using some passages to connect with other passages to make their case for presenting theology. But sometimes the connection is out of place if we read the entire context of those passages.
Much consideration in these things must be discerned when coming to conclusions on interpreting scripture, and understanding the context in how it was not only written, but in how words were used in explaining the meaning of a subject matter being explained.
I think @mattfivefour may understand what Im saying with this regard

I have changed my view on what the Mystery in reference to Ephesians 3, and it's up to each Individual to decide, but I do encourage to do personal study and not solely rely on teachings we get accustomed to believing, without being like the Bereans who heard teachings from Paul himself, one of the writers of the New Testament books, as they searched the scriptures to see whether what they were hearing is so.
I have heard some Pastors, Andy Woods for one, say they had understood some of their theology a certain way and later changed their mind after further study of the bible.
We all should Use our Bibles. We may be surprised to discover things we didnt know before getting Into the bible beyond reading it alone, but to study it, and Use it, so it is deep within our hearts.

 

[mattfivefour]

I have heard some Pastors ... say they had understood some of their theology a certain way and later changed their mind after further study of the bible.

Absolutely.

 

[Andy C]

In context, I believe this is a different "mystery" than given in Ephesians chapter 6.
It could be a mystery in this context referring to the promise of glory given to those who are in Christ, which is difficult to fathom since such an event has never happened in the history of mankind.
I would say even now its still a mystery to believers, because we have not yet changed to our glorified bodies to fully grasp understanding of this marvelous change, so for now, we can only imagine.
I think we will find throughout scripture some reference to words may appear the same unless we understand some considerations in context surrounding verses we read, with different uses for some words depending on how they are used in the original greek or hebrew writings, and how they were used before our modern era of translations of scripture. We also get accustomed to our favorite teachers using some passages to connect with other passages to make their case for presenting theology. But sometimes the connection is out of place if we read the entire context of those passages.
Much consideration in these things must be discerned when coming to conclusions on interpreting scripture, and understanding the context in how it was not only written, but in how words were used in explaining the meaning of a subject matter being explained.
I think @mattfivefour may understand what Im saying with this regard

I have changed my view on what the Mystery in reference to Ephesians 3, and it's up to each Individual to decide, but I do encourage to do personal study and not solely rely on teachings we get accustomed to believing, without being like the Bereans who heard teachings from Paul himself, one of the writers of the New Testament books, as they searched the scriptures to see whether what they were hearing is so.
I have heard some Pastors, Andy Woods for one, say they had understood some of their theology a certain way and later changed their mind after further study of the bible.
We all should Use our Bibles. We may be surprised to discover things we didnt know before getting Into the bible beyond reading it alone, but to study it, and Use it, so it is deep within our hearts.

Agree.

I never considered the mystery in Ephesians to be the same mystery Paul wrote about in Corinthians.

 

[Amethyst]

I have always thought there were two different "myseteries"

I have never even heard of someone refer to the Ephesians passage as a mystery of the rapture. How strange.
Only the Corinthians one.

 

[AnyMinute]

Speaking for myself, I came to learn about this Mystery and accept it as doctrine by reading and listening to many Pastors, Prophecy teachers, and just by word of mouth from other believers who believe in this teaching.
But as I have done my personal bible study and reading the entire context of Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul speaks on the Mystery that was revealed to him, I dont see any reference to the Mystery having a connection to the Rapture of the church.
Maybe those who have studied scripture went beyond Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul details the Mystery, and connect other scripture context with Ephesians chapter 3 to come to that conclusion that jt refers to the Rapture? I dont know, but keeping within the context of Ephesians chapter 3 where Paul is solely focusing on the Mystery itself, I see a different view of what this Mystery was.

First, I consider who Paul is addressing here. He is addressing the church of Ephesus, a Gentile nation.

In Ephesians 3:2 Paul says to the Ephesians,

2 "if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you"

So here Paul begins by telling the Ephesians that a different dispensation was in place that extended God's Grace from the dispensation that God had given to the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. So the different dispensation now included Gentiles
Because Jesus appointed Paul as Apostle to the Gentiles, God was using Paul to bring His Grace to the Gentile nations, and here Paul is explaining this to the Ephesians.

Reading further from verses 3-6

3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.

These verses are clear on what that Mystery was, that was revealed to Paul, but the most clear explaination is in verse 6

6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel

Good, well thought out post, I fully agree with your conclusion that the mystery spoken of in Ephesians 3 is not a reference to the rapture.

Like some others above, I've never heard it taught that that particular use of mystery is the rapture.

Ephesians 5:32 and 6:19 use of the word also are a reference to the mystery of the gospel and the relationship of Jesus and the Church, as the bride of Christ.
You are correct that context is key and crucial to understanding scripture

If I may add to your post, I like Scofield's short description of Mysteries In Scripture in reference to Matthew 13:11


" A "mystery" in Scripture is a previously hidden truth, now divinely revealed; but in which a supernatural element still remains despite the revelation. The greater mysteries are:

(1) The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:3-50.

(2) the mystery of Israel's blindness during this age Romans 11:25 (with context);

(3) the mystery of the translation of living saints at the end of this age 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.

(4) the mystery of N.T. church as one body composed of Jew and Gentile Ephesians 3:1-11; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3.

(5) the mystery of the church as the bride of Christ Ephesians 5:28-32.

(6) the mystery of the inliving Christ Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:26; Colossians 1:27.

(7) the "mystery of God even Christ," i.e. Christ as the incarnate fullness of the Godhead embodied, in whom all the divine wisdom for man subsists Colossians 2:2; Colossians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 2:7.

(8) the mystery of the processes by which godlikeness is restored to man 1 Timothy 3:16.

(9) the mystery of iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Matthew 13:33.

(10) the mystery of the seven stars Revelation 1:20.

(11) the mystery of Babylon Revelation 17:5; Revelation 17:7.

kingdom (See Scofield "Revelation 17:7- :") ."

 

[1LoverofGod]

I still dont see how the 1 Corinthians 15 passage refers to the rapture other than in the Rapture itself, but the context describes how the resurrection of Jesus Who was the first fruits of many to follow, brought the hope of the resurrection to believers in Christ who would also be resurrected in the same likeness of Jesus. It references that there will be a Trumpet sound that will awaken those who have died in Christ and in the twinkling of an eye they will change to immortality. There is no mention of Rapture in this context..Its all about the resurrection and the changing of the body from mortal to immortal at the time of the first resurrection. Some will connect this context with the Rapture, but that is an assumption, because there is nothing within this particular context that refers to the Rapture itself
Where there is more clarity on the event of the Rapture, is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18


13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

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.

Even while using 1 Corinthians 15 to connect with this passage, it still doesnt mean the mystery is the Rapture itself. The mystery still falls within the context of the changing from mortal to immortal at the Resurrection and those still alive changing in the same manner from mortal to immortal.
None of this changes our blessed hope of being raptured in glory to meet the Lord in the air. Our hope is clear and unchangeable.
But there isnt foundational scripture proving that the mystery is about the Rapture.
Reading context of mystery whether in Ephesians 3 or 1 Corinthians 15, there is no Implication to it referring to the Rapture but the context tells us what the reference of mystery is to.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Good, well thought out post, I fully agree with your conclusion that the mystery spoken of in Ephesians 3 is not a reference to the rapture.

Like some others above, I've never heard it taught that that particular use of mystery is the rapture.

Ephesians 5:32 and 6:19 use of the word also are a reference to the mystery of the gospel and the relationship of Jesus and the Church, as the bride of Christ.
You are correct that context is key and crucial to understanding scripture

If I may add to your post, I like Scofield's short description of Mysteries In Scripture in reference to Matthew 13:11


" A "mystery" in Scripture is a previously hidden truth, now divinely revealed; but in which a supernatural element still remains despite the revelation. The greater mysteries are:

(1) The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven Matthew 13:3-50.

(2) the mystery of Israel's blindness during this age Romans 11:25 (with context);

(3) the mystery of the translation of living saints at the end of this age 1 Corinthians 15:51; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.

(4) the mystery of N.T. church as one body composed of Jew and Gentile Ephesians 3:1-11; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3.

(5) the mystery of the church as the bride of Christ Ephesians 5:28-32.

(6) the mystery of the inliving Christ Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:26; Colossians 1:27.

(7) the "mystery of God even Christ," i.e. Christ as the incarnate fullness of the Godhead embodied, in whom all the divine wisdom for man subsists Colossians 2:2; Colossians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 2:7.

(8) the mystery of the processes by which godlikeness is restored to man 1 Timothy 3:16.

(9) the mystery of iniquity 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Matthew 13:33.

(10) the mystery of the seven stars Revelation 1:20.

(11) the mystery of Babylon Revelation 17:5; Revelation 17:7.

kingdom (See Scofield "Revelation 17:7- :") ."

Mystery is certainly used in different ways for different meanings
.

 

[1LoverofGod]

I guess the reason I began this thread based on Ephesians 3 is because I have heard many teachers talking about the Rapture say that the mystery of the Rapture was revealed to Paul and go by verse 3
"how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already"
Many who teach on the Rapture think the revealing of the mystery to Paul spoken of here is the Rapture, but reading the entire context Paul explains what the mystery was that was revealed to him.
I know many wont change the view that the Rapture was that mystery revealed to Paul, but that's okay. We are saved by grace through faith, not by whether the Rapture was a mystery or not

 

[mattfivefour]

I guess the reason I began this thread based on Ephesians 3 is because I have heard many teachers talking about the Rapture say that the mystery of the Rapture was revealed to Paul and go by verse 3
"how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already"
Many who teach on the Rapture think the revealing of the mystery to Paul spoken of here is the Rapture, but reading the entire context Paul explains what the mystery was that was revealed to him.
I know many wont change the view that the Rapture was that mystery revealed to Paul, but that's okay. We are saved by grace through faith, not by whether the Rapture was a mystery or not

Seems some people are so desperate to add support to the idea of the rapture that they will grasp any verse they think they can squeeze into it. Unfortunately they are guilty not just of wishful thinking and really bad exegesis but misleading God's people and bringing error into the Church. And why? The doctrine of the rapture is so plainly described in Scripture that it is unnecessary to try and find more support for it. If a Christian truly believes in the plain reading of Scripture, it's already there.

 

[AnyMinute]

I still dont see how the 1 Corinthians 15 passage refers to the rapture other than in the Rapture itself, but the context describes how the resurrection of Jesus Who was the first fruits of many to follow, brought the hope of the resurrection to believers in Christ who would also be resurrected in the same likeness of Jesus. It references that there will be a Trumpet sound that will awaken those who have died in Christ and in the twinkling of an eye they will change to immortality. There is no mention of Rapture in this context..Its all about the resurrection and the changing of the body from mortal to immortal at the time of the first resurrection. Some will connect this context with the Rapture, but that is an assumption, because there is nothing within this particular context that refers to the Rapture itself
Where there is more clarity on the event of the Rapture, is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18


13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

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.

Even while using 1 Corinthians 15 to connect with this passage, it still doesnt mean the mystery is the Rapture itself. The mystery still falls within the context of the changing from mortal to immortal at the Resurrection and those still alive changing in the same manner from mortal to immortal.
None of this changes our blessed hope of being raptured in glory to meet the Lord in the air. Our hope is clear and unchangeable.
But there isnt foundational scripture proving that the mystery is about the Rapture.
Reading context of mystery whether in Ephesians 3 or 1 Corinthians 15, there is no Implication to it referring to the Rapture but the context tells us what the reference of mystery is to.

I don't know if this will help but I do believe it is a rapture passage.

1 Corinthians 15:51
New King James Version
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—

We shall not all sleep means those who are alive will be changed. So it can't just be a resurrection of those who sleep, it has to also be a reference to those who are alive and remain at His coming (in the air).

So we can see in the above passage that the trumpet call is not only to awaken the dead. The mystery may well be the disclosing of how the body will be will be changed but it expressly states that some (believers) will still be alive when it occurs.
There won't be any of the Church here when He touches foot down on the Earth again. Any believing tribulation saints will go into the Millennium in their mortal body.

While it may not specifically mention the harpazo (rapture) I think there is enough similar language, use of words and meaning to see it as a companion/cross reference to 1 Thess 4:15-17

I'm not sure how seeing it that way takes away from our Blessed Hope.

 

[1LoverofGod]

I don't know if this will help but I do believe it is a rapture passage.

1 Corinthians 15:51
New King James Version
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—

We shall not all sleep means those who are alive will be changed. So it can't just be a resurrection of those who sleep, it has to also be a reference to those who are alive and remain at His coming (in the air).

So we can see in the above passage that the trumpet call is not only to awaken the dead. The mystery may well be the disclosing of how the body will be will be changed but it expressly states that some (believers) will still be alive when it occurs.
There won't be any of the Church here when He touches foot down on the Earth again. Any believing tribulation saints will go into the Millennium in their mortal body.

While it may not specifically mention the harpazo (rapture) I think there is enough similar language, use of words and meaning to see it as a companion/cross reference to 1 Thess 4:15-17

I'm not sure how seeing it that way takes away from our Blessed Hope.

Yes, it refers to those who are still alive, but it is still regarding changing from mortal to immortality because flesh and blood cannot enter God's Heavenly Kingdom.
There is a trumpet sound, but that is for waking the dead in Christ, not rapture
The twinkling of an eye doesnt refer to the rapture either, it refers to how quickly the change will happen from mortal to immortal.
1 Corinthians 15 does connect with the first part of 1 Thessalonians 4 in what takes place Before the rapture happens. After the "mystery" change from mortal to immortal, THEN the rapture occurs.
There is no reference to the Rapture in 1 Corinthians 15. The only connection between this passage and 1 Thessalonians 4 is what takes place in the change of body before the Rapture takes place, but the Rapture is still not the mystery spoken of in these passages, its the change to glory that is the mystery.
I dont see how the rapture not being the mystery effects the blessed hope. The blessed hope is unchangeable. Our blessed hope is in Jesus promise in John 14:1-3 not on whether it was a mystery in understanding it.
We understand our hope. Jesus is coming back for us as promised. In this promise we have our hope

 

[LightOfMyLife]

What is the mystery of God referred to in the Bible? The rapture is mentioned in Titus 2:13-15. www.gotquestions.org/mystery-of-God.html

 

[1LoverofGod]

What is the mystery of God referred to in the Bible? www.gotquestions.org/mystery-of-g-.html The rapture is mentioned in Titus 2:13-15.

Indeed the rapture is our blessed hope when we are in glory. Titus 2:13; speaks of our blessed hope but doesnt apply it to the mystery.
When we read articles by those who think the rapture was the mystery revealed to Paul, we will find use of scripture that they connect between the mystery and the rapture, but as I stated above, sometimes theology interpretation can be wrong and some realize it and others dont. When we are used to a certain way of believing theology we will hold firm to it until we get clear understanding from the bible itself, not only from what we read or hear from those who hold to a certain teaching. Like I said, each individual can choose what interpretation to hold to, but however the mystery is interpreted doesnt change that we have our blessed hope of glory and soon being caught up to meet Jesus in the air.

 

[AnyMinute]

Yes, it refers to those who are still alive, but it is still regarding changing from mortal to immortality because flesh and blood cannot enter God's Heavenly Kingdom.
There is a trumpet sound, but that is for waking the dead in Christ, not rapture
The twinkling of an eye doesnt refer to the rapture either, it refers to how quickly the change will happen from mortal to immortal.
1 Corinthians 15 does connect with the first part of 1 Thessalonians 4 in what takes place Before the rapture happens. After the "mystery" change from mortal to immortal, THEN the rapture occurs.
There is no reference to the Rapture in 1 Corinthians 15. The only connection between this passage and 1 Thessalonians 4 is what takes place in the change of body before the Rapture takes place, but the Rapture is still not the mystery spoken of in these passages, its the change to glory that is the mystery.
I dont see how the rapture not being the mystery effects the blessed hope. The blessed hope is unchangeable. Our blessed hope is in Jesus promise in John 14:1-3 not on whether it was a mystery in understanding it.
We understand our hope. Jesus is coming back for us as promised. In this promise we have our hope

I think I understand what you're saying now and I agree it's not explicitly a rapture passage if taken on it's own. However I do think it is foundational to the teaching. At first read it sounded to me like you were disputing that 1 Corinthians 15:51 had any relevance to the teaching of the rapture.
As I read the above you state that this is what proceeds the rapture, I agree. Though I do tend look at it all as one event which may not be technically correct and there may or may not be a lengthy amount of time between the transformation and the translation from Earth to clouds.

Some will connect this context with the Rapture, but that is an assumption, because there is nothing within this particular context that refers to the Rapture itself

This is what threw me off, it sounded here like you don't think it has any bearing on the teaching of 1 Thess 4:15. When I read
1 Cor 15:51 you may see it as an assumption to to correlate the two passages but I see the cross reference as accurate. We can see it differently though.

I dont see how the rapture not being the mystery effects the blessed hope. The blessed hope is unchangeable. Our blessed hope is in Jesus promise in John 14:1-3 not on whether it was a mystery in understanding it.
We understand our hope. Jesus is coming back for us as promised. In this promise we have our hope

Amen!!

 

[1LoverofGod]

I do want to be clear on something
I dont believe that those who teach the mystery refers to the rapture are false teachers. I dont think the misinterpretation of certain scripture verses qualifies under the category of a false teacher. I take into consideration that we are all fallen by nature and even solid gospel preaching teachers can sometimes misunderstand some things in scripture, and as I stated above, I have heard some Pastors say they had a change in view of some understanding of theology after doing further study of the bible.
I am still learning, as we all continually learn from the bible. I thought to share what I found clearly explained in the bible as something to consider, but certainly dont expect it will be received the same by others, and like I said, its ok. We are saved by grace through faith, and Jesus as our Lord and Savior being the only Way to the Father is no mystery

 

[Andy C]

I don't know if this will help but I do believe it is a rapture passage.

1 Corinthians 15:51
New King James Version
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—

We shall not all sleep means those who are alive will be changed. So it can't just be a resurrection of those who sleep, it has to also be a reference to those who are alive and remain at His coming (in the air).

So we can see in the above passage that the trumpet call is not only to awaken the dead. The mystery may well be the disclosing of how the body will be will be changed but it expressly states that some (believers) will still be alive when it occurs.
There won't be any of the Church here when He touches foot down on the Earth again. Any believing tribulation saints will go into the Millennium in their mortal body.

While it may not specifically mention the harpazo (rapture) I think there is enough similar language, use of words and meaning to see it as a companion/cross reference to 1 Thess 4:15-17

I'm not sure how seeing it that way takes away from our Blessed Hope.

I dont know of any prophecy teacher, or anyone else who believes in the rapture, that does not believe 1 Corinthians 15:50 is a rapture passage.