The Rapture itself - part 3
The translated effect of the Rapture is to be saved from the Wrath of God. So passages that refer to the effect of the Rapture is indeed also the Rapture. And there is no in context no other Rapture to speak of in the Bible that is on a mass scale. There was one recorded rapture in the Bible but in a different context. One saint was to be relocated, and he was taken in a blink of an eye, but not to receive a new incorrupt body.
There is nothing else besides death that can save you from the Wrath of God. Also the text is meant for the living at the time that the Wrath is eminent.
One example of this, where the effect of the Rapture is mentioned is in:
9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
In these few verses you can see at the end that Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come. So that is proof that "delivers us" means "saves from wrath to come". And that is implicitly done by the Rapture.
Probably the apostle Paul knew that this was not meant for his time. But actually for future generations. There is really nothing to add to this then that we now have the first main sequence events:
First comes the Rapture, then comes the Wrath of God. It does not mean there is nothing in between. But we do know what is before and what is after.
Main event sequence:
- The Rapture
- The Wrath of God
5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore [b]comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
This piece tells us a few things. One that is that the Day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night, but the saints are watching and looking for the signs. As for the pagans the Day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. You see here that there is relation between the Day of the Lord and wrath, and the saints are not appointed to wrath. Which means the saints are taken away so the wrath will not come upon them.
Is the text to be taken literal or not?
There is only indication that this text is to be taken literally.
Is the text unambiguous, can we draw a single conclusion?
Text is straight forward. It cannot mean anything different.
Is the text referring to the Rapture?
The text shows that the saints are saved from the Wrath of God. In effect it means the Rapture because this the only way to be saved if you are alive before the return of Christ.
Is the text referring to a related event of the Rapture?
The text is targeting two events; the rapture and the return of Christ - in the form: being delivered for the Wrath to come, which correlates to the Day of the Lord.
Are there (relative) time references?
Yes, the Rapture is before the Wrath of God. Also the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night for the wicked, but not us much for the saints, as we see the signs.
Are there references to other events?
No other event references found in this text.
Further Study
Important here is if we can find out when the Wrath of God is in effect. Even on this topic there is division amongst churches.