InstaStudy

The Blessed Hope: Is the Church Ready for His Return?

This study explores the biblical understanding of the Lord's return and the catching away of the Church, examining the necessary preparation and the glorious transformation awaiting faithful believers.

1. The Identity of Our God and His Sovereign Plan

1.1 The One True God Revealed in Jesus Christ

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • God is one, not a trinity of persons, but a singular Spirit who manifested Himself in flesh as Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all dwelling in Him.
  • Understanding God's singular identity is foundational to His plan of salvation and the Church's hope.

1.2 God's Eternal Purpose for Humanity

Verses: Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:29; 2 Peter 3:9
  • From the beginning, God purposed to have a people conformed to the image of His Son.
  • His plan includes redemption, sanctification, and ultimately, glorification for those who obey Him.
  • The catching away is a culmination of His redemptive work for His chosen people.

2. The Church: Called Out and Prepared

2.1 What Constitutes the True Church?

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • The Church is comprised of those who have repented, been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
  • This experience unites believers into one body, under one Lord, with one faith and one baptism.
  • Membership in the true Church is not merely by profession but by a Spirit-filled new birth experience.

2.2 Living a Sanctified Life

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Holiness is not an option but a command for those who desire to see the Lord.
  • Sanctification is a continuous process of separation from sin and dedication to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
  • Without a life of purity and devotion, one cannot be ready for the Lord's return.

2.3 The Importance of Enduring Faith

Verses: Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 10:35-36; Revelation 2:10
  • Perseverance in faith and obedience until the end is crucial for salvation and readiness.
  • The Church must remain steadfast amidst trials, persecutions, and the increasing apostasy of the last days.
  • Only those who overcome and endure will receive the crown of life and be caught away.

3. The Timing and Nature of the Catching Away

3.1 The Lord's Coming and the Resurrection

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 5:28-29
  • At the Lord's coming, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers.
  • This event will be sudden, in the twinkling of an eye, accompanied by a shout and the sound of a trumpet.
  • The catching away is intrinsically linked to the resurrection of the righteous.

3.2 Meeting Him in the Air

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Matthew 24:30-31
  • Living believers will be caught up together with the resurrected saints to meet the Lord in the air.
  • This is a glorious reunion and the beginning of eternal fellowship with Him.
  • The purpose is to be forever with the Lord, escaping the wrath to come.

3.3 The Great Tribulation and the Church's Role

Verses: Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 13:7
  • The Church will face tribulation and persecution in the last days, as prophesied.
  • God's people are not promised an escape from tribulation, but strength through it and deliverance out of it.
  • The catching away occurs at the end of the tribulation, after the great distress, when the Lord returns in power and great glory.

4. The Glorious Transformation

4.1 Our Mortal Bodies Made Immortal

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:53-54; Philippians 3:20-21
  • At the catching away, our corruptible bodies will be instantly transformed into incorruptible, immortal bodies.
  • This new body will be like His glorious body, free from sin, sickness, and death.
  • This transformation is necessary to inherit the kingdom of God and dwell in His presence.

4.2 Receiving Our Eternal Reward

Verses: 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12; Matthew 16:27
  • Believers will receive crowns and rewards based on their faithfulness and service to the Lord.
  • This is a time of divine recognition and recompense for all who have lived for Him.
  • Our eternal destiny is secured, and we will reign with Him forever.