Thoughts About
The Rapture
The Case of the Missing Saints
(A Biblical Investigation into the Mystery of the Rapture)
Page 3 of 13

Rockey Jackson - November 24, 1999

(All scripture references are from the King James Version of the Bible.)

“Behold, I tell you a mystery…”

The entire fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians is devoted to the resurrection, but to study all of it would be beyond the scope of this article. What we’re looking for, the Rapture, is introduced as the revelation of a mystery in verses 50-53. Teaching specifically about the resurrection of believers, this passage explains that the mortal (perishable) bodies we now have must be replaced with immortal (imperishable) bodies in order for us to receive our heavenly inheritance. When this resurrection of those who are spiritually alive occurs, it won’t matter if we are physically alive or physically dead. If we are found righteous before God and our sins have been forgiven, then our bodies will be instantaneously transformed into immortal bodies.

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 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.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor. 15:50-53

According to this scripture, at the sounding of the “last trumpet” the Rapture will occur in conjunction with the resurrection of believers who have already died. Many have speculated about when this last trumpet will sound forth. Some of this speculation may have merit, but in this passage we are not told either which specific trumpet is to be the last trumpet or when it will be blown.

There is a second passage in this chapter that refers to the Rapture. It is contained in verses 20-23.

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 1 Cor. 15:20-23

This passage tells us that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead as a firstfruits offering. We who belong to him will be made alive when he returns. So our resurrection or rapture (if we’re physically alive at the time) is also associated with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Casebook Notes:

Who? - The Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 15:22.

What? - We shall not all die, but those who are alive will be changed, 1 Cor. 15:51.

  • “The dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed,” 1 Cor. 15:52b.

When? - At Christ’s Second Coming, 1 Cor. 15:23.

  • In conjunction with the resurrection of the dead in Christ, 1 Cor. 15:51,52.

  • At the last trumpet, 1 Cor. 15:52.

Where? - From earth to the kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 15:50.

Why? - Because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God,” 1 Cor. 15:50.

  • For our corruptible bodies must be made incorruptible, 1 Cor. 15:53.

  • Our mortal bodies must be made immortal, 1 Cor. 15:53.

How? - “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” 1 Cor. 15:52.

The Narrow Path To Glory

Framed by the fall gold of the aspen leaves, this four wheel drive road reminds me of the narrow path to glory.