PREPARING FOR THE RAPTURE

Title: PREPARING FOR THE RAPTURE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
"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."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 22:12; Titus 2:13; Luke 21:36

INTRODUCTION:
The Rapture refers to the moment when Jesus Christ will return to take His faithful followers to be with Him. It is a glorious hope for believers but a moment of great regret for the unprepared. This study explores the steps necessary to be spiritually prepared for the Rapture. It calls us to live holy, watchful, and purposeful lives, always ready to meet the Lord.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE RAPTURE
Before we can prepare for the Rapture, we must first understand what it is and why it matters.

a) Definition of the Rapture
The Rapture is the sudden catching away of believers to meet Christ in the air (1 Corinthians 15:52).

b) The Promise of Christ’s Return
Jesus assured His disciples that He would return to take them to be with Him (John 14:1-3).

c) A Sudden Event
The Rapture will happen suddenly, without prior warning, like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

d) A Separation Event
The faithful will be taken, while the unprepared will be left behind (Matthew 24:40-41).

Biblical Example:
Enoch walked with God and was taken without seeing death, a type of the Rapture (Genesis 5:24).

2. LIVING A LIFE OF HOLINESS
Holiness is essential for those who want to be part of the Rapture. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

a) The Call to Holiness
God has called believers to live holy lives, set apart for Him (1 Peter 1:15-16).

b) Avoiding Sin and Worldliness
We must forsake sin and not be conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).

c) Walking in the Spirit
A Spirit-filled life keeps us sensitive to God’s leading and free from sin (Galatians 5:16).

d) Living Blamelessly
We are called to be blameless in body, soul, and spirit until Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Biblical Example:
Noah lived righteously in a corrupt generation and was saved from destruction (Genesis 6:9).

3. WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER
Jesus emphasised the need for His followers to remain watchful and prayerful as they await His return.

a) Being Spiritually Awake
Believers must avoid spiritual slumber and remain alert (Matthew 24:42-44).

b) Praying Without Ceasing
Constant prayer keeps us in communion with God and prepared for His return (Luke 21:36).

c) Discernment of the Times
Understanding the signs of the times helps us remain expectant (Matthew 16:3).

d) Guarding Against Deception
In the last days, many will be deceived. Staying grounded in the Word is crucial (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Biblical Example:
The wise virgins stayed watchful and prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival (Matthew 25:1-13).

4. SPREADING THE GOSPEL
Preparing for the Rapture also involves fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the gospel.

a) The Urgency of Evangelism
Jesus’ return should motivate us to win souls (Mark 16:15).

b) Shining as Lights in the World
Our lives should reflect Christ’s love and truth to the lost (Matthew 5:14-16).

c) Using Every Opportunity
Time is short, and we must make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel (Ephesians 5:15-16).

d) Encouraging Fellow Believers
Strengthening one another’s faith is part of preparing for Christ’s return (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Biblical Example:
Paul dedicated his life to preaching the gospel in anticipation of Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 9:16).

5. LONGING FOR HIS RETURN
A genuine longing for Christ’s return keeps us focused and prepared.

a) The Blessed Hope
Christ’s return is the hope of every believer, bringing joy and anticipation (Titus 2:13).

b) Storing Treasures in Heaven
Living with eternity in mind helps us prioritise spiritual things (Matthew 6:19-20).

c) Faithful Stewardship
We must be faithful with our time, talents, and resources as we await His return (Luke 19:12-13).

d) Enduring to the End
Staying steadfast in faith, even in trials, ensures our readiness (Matthew 24:13).

Biblical Example:
Simeon and Anna eagerly awaited the Messiah’s first coming and were rewarded with His presence (Luke 2:25-38).

CONCLUSION:
The Rapture is not just a distant event but an imminent reality. Preparing for it involves living a holy life, staying watchful in prayer, sharing the gospel, and longing for Christ’s return. Let us live each day with the awareness that the Lord could come at any moment. Are you ready to meet Him?

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live a holy and blameless life in preparation for Your return.

2. Father, keep me spiritually awake and alert at all times.

3. Lord, deliver me from anything that will hinder my readiness for the Rapture.

4. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in righteousness and obedience.

5. Lord, fill my heart with a longing for Your return.

6. Father, give me boldness to share the gospel with others.

7. Lord, help me to make wise use of the time You have given me.

8. Holy Spirit, guard my heart against deception in these last days.

9. Lord, strengthen my faith to endure to the end.

10. Father, may I be found faithful and ready when You come.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will live a life that is holy and pleasing to God.

2. May your heart remain watchful and expectant of Christ’s return.

3. I declare that no sin or distraction will keep you unprepared for the Rapture.

4. May you have the grace to walk in righteousness and truth.

5. I declare that you will be a shining light, drawing others to Christ.

6. May the urgency of Christ’s return inspire you to fulfil your divine purpose.

7. I declare that you will not fall into spiritual slumber but remain alert.

8. May you store treasures in heaven and live with eternity in mind.

9. I declare that you will receive the reward of the faithful on the day of the Lord.

10. May you rejoice eternally in the presence of Christ at His coming.