InstaStudy

The Glorious Hope: When the Church is Caught Up

This study explores the biblical understanding of the church's ultimate gathering to the Lord, examining the divine plan, the preparation required of believers, and the blessed expectation of His coming.

1. The Sovereign God and His Eternal Purpose

1.1 The One True God Revealed

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; John 14:8-9; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • God is one, not a plurality of persons.
  • Jesus is the manifestation of this one God in flesh.
  • His plan for humanity is singular and unified.

1.2 God's Unchanging Covenant with His People

Verses: Genesis 12:3; Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6
  • God's promises to His people are steadfast and eternal.
  • He has always desired a people for Himself.
  • The church is the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

1.3 The Divine Plan for Redemption and Glorification

Verses: Ephesians 1:4-10; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Peter 1:3-5
  • God's ultimate goal is to redeem humanity and bring His church into glory.
  • This plan culminates in the catching away of His chosen people.
  • Believers are predestined for adoption and conformity to His image.

2. The Church: Identity and Preparation

2.1 Who Constitutes the True Church?

Verses: Ephesians 2:19-22; Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
  • The church is the body of believers called out by God.
  • It is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.
  • All true believers are members of this spiritual body.

2.2 The New Birth Experience

Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Acts 19:1-6; Acts 10:44-48
  • Salvation involves repentance and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for entry into the kingdom of God.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for a transformed life.

2.3 Living a Sanctified Life

Verses: Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Romans 12:1-2
  • Believers are called to holiness and separation from the world's ways.
  • Continual spiritual growth and obedience to God's Word are vital.
  • Sanctification is a process of becoming more like Christ.

2.4 Watchfulness and Readiness

Verses: Matthew 24:42-44; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36
  • The church must remain vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return.
  • Spiritual slumber and worldly distractions are dangerous.
  • Living in constant expectation keeps us ready for His coming.

3. The Blessed Hope: The Catching Up of the Church

3.1 The Lord's Personal Return

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7
  • Jesus Himself will descend from heaven with a shout.
  • This event will be sudden, audible, and visible to the church.
  • His return is the central focus of the church's hope.

3.2 The Resurrection of the Righteous Dead

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52-53; Philippians 3:20-21
  • Those who have died in Christ will be raised first.
  • Their mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious, immortal bodies.
  • This resurrection is a promise of eternal life with God.

3.3 The Transformation of Living Believers

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:17
  • Living believers will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
  • They will receive glorified bodies without experiencing death.
  • This instantaneous change prepares them for eternity.

3.4 Meeting the Lord in the Air

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3
  • Both the resurrected dead and transformed living will be caught up together.
  • They will ascend to meet the Lord in the air.
  • From that moment, they will forever be with the Lord.

3.5 The Comfort of This Hope

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 4:18; Titus 2:13
  • This promise provides immense comfort and encouragement to believers.
  • It is our blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior.
  • We are to encourage one another with these words.

4. Events Following the Catching Up

4.1 The Judgment Seat of Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
  • Believers will stand before Christ to receive rewards for their deeds.
  • This is not a judgment for sin, but an evaluation of service and faithfulness.
  • Rewards will be given based on the quality of our works.

4.2 The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

Verses: Revelation 19:7-9; Revelation 21:2
  • The church, as the Bride of Christ, will celebrate a glorious union with Him.
  • This signifies the ultimate fellowship, joy, and intimacy with the Lord.
  • The Bride has made herself ready for this divine celebration.

4.3 Reigning with Christ

Verses: Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:4-6; 2 Timothy 2:12
  • The church will return with Christ to reign on earth.
  • Believers will participate in His glorious kingdom and righteous rule.
  • We are called to be kings and priests unto our God.