Over the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of talk about the Rapture that was predicted to occur on May 21, 2011. There is even a billboard up in our local town of Cedar Springs located off 17 Mile Rd just west of US 131. Because this date has come and gone with no rapture occurring, the mocking and laughter has been brought forth by both non-believers and Christians. However, at the same time questions have come up about this event.  What is it?  Do I want to be a part of it?  Does the Bible mention when it will happen?
The word “rapture” is not found in the English translation of the Bible; however, it is used in the Latin translation to describe something taken away very quickly.  This is where the English word “rapid” derived from. Our Bible also refers to this event as the “gathering together” (Matthew 24:31 and 1 Thess. 4:17) or the “taking Away” (Luke 17:30-36) of God’s Saints off of the earth to save them from the last days’ sufferings. The Bible tells us that we can understand the times and seasons that we’re in, but no one knows the exact day or hour of the Lord’s return, except for God, the father (Matthew 24:36). The Bible also tells us that people will be going on about their normal routines as comparable to the days of Noah (Matthew 24:38). The Bible describes Christ return as a” thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2), meaning unannounced.
Although it was foolish to choose a date and time for this event to occur and people have made their jokes, the point is that the concept of a rapture occurring is very true according to the Bible. We are just unsure exactly when it will happen. This is the way the Lord wants it. If people are given specific dates, His people would only prepare for when that day grew near. The fact that we do not know the day and the hour should encourage us to prepare on a daily basis by obeying our Lord and living for Jesus through our actions according to His Word.  The rapture should bring a peace of mind and hope to all believers that one day Jesus will rescue us from the evil of this world.

Pastor Ryan Black
Cedar Springs Christian Church
340 West Pine Street, Cedar Springs