The word "rapture" isn't explicitly used in the Bible, but the concept is clearly outlined in Scripture. The term comes from the Latin word rapio, which means "to seize, carry off, or snatch away." This word is used in the Latin Vulgate translation to describe the event where believers are taken up to meet Christ. The Greek word for "caught up" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is harpazo, which is also crucial in understanding the rapture.

Key Scriptures Supporting the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

Here are several passages that support the pre-tribulation rapture view, where believers are taken to be with Jesus before the Tribulation begins:

1.1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)
“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.”This passage clearly describes the rapture event—believers, both dead and alive, are caught up to meet Jesus in the air. The phrase "caught up" comes from the Greek word harpazo, which means to "snatch away" or "seize." The rapture is when Christ calls His Church to be with Him, and this event occurs before the Tribulation begins. The word harpazo emphasizes the sudden, forceful nature of the event—believers will be quickly taken up without warning.

2.John 14:2-3 (KJV)
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Jesus promises to return for His people (The Church) and take them to be with Him. This reflects the rapture, where He will come to gather His Church before the Tribulation starts, ensuring they are with Him in Heaven.

3.1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” This passage speaks about believers being transformed in the twinkling of an eye, receiving glorified bodies, and being caught up at the sound of the trumpet. This event is understood as the rapture, which happens before the Tribulation and before the wrath of God is poured out upon the earth.

4.Philippians 3:20-21 (KJV)
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” This verse speaks of our future transformation when Christ returns. It supports the rapture, where believers will receive glorified bodies and be taken to be with the Lord. This transformation occurs at the moment of the rapture, which precedes the Tribulation.

5.Titus 2:13 (KJV)
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The "blessed hope" refers to the return of Jesus Christ for His Church. This event, often connected with the rapture, will occur before the Tribulation begins and is something that believers look forward to.

The Timing of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The pre-tribulation rapture view is based on the understanding that believers will be taken to be with Jesus before the Tribulation begins. This is seen in several Scriptures:

1.1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV):
“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”This verse speaks of Jesus delivering believers from the wrath to come, which refers to the Tribulation. It aligns with the pre-tribulation rapture, where believers are taken before the period of judgment begins.