The importance of the doctrine of the catching away is often misunderstood. Many will claim today that it is not a doctrine of the first century, but a doctrine of the nineteenth century. In actuality it is the scripture which tells us of the resurrection of the righteous dead and the changing of the righteous who are alive.
1 Thess 4:13-18
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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Cor 15:50-58 tells a similar story
It is a comforting thought, not a fearful thought. The fact of the resurrection is fundamental to the good news in Jesus Christ. If Christ is not raised than we are yet in our sins, and there is no hope. (1Cor 15:17)
The key points to the importance of this fact are as follows:
Paul lived his life expecting that this event could happen at any time. He fully expected the return of the Lord in his lifetime; we know this because he says WE which are alive and remain...
We need to be watching at all times, to suggest that his coming is in some way delayed is a place we would rather not find ourselves; 2 Pet 3:3-4. Being watchful and ready for his return is a common admonition to us.
The wrath of God will be poured out upon sin, whatever your particular belief about its form and manner, it will come and salvation from that wrath is promised to those who call upon the name of Jesus.
The end of the church age will come when the church is removed, and though God will always have his witness, the church will have finished its course. The end of this time is the catching away.
Many will say that Rapture is a poor choice of word for this event, but it is simply an english transliteration of the latin word for catching away.
I will be expanding on these thoughts over the next few months to work on a book on this subject.
