2. The expectation of the rapture gives us confidence in God’s providence. Thesis
3. An Experiential Exegesis of the Reasons for the Rapture 1.In fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, John 14:3
4. An Experiential Exegesis of the Reasons for the Rapture 1.In fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, John 14:3 2.In answer to Jesus’ prayer, John 17:24
5. An Experiential Exegesis of the Reasons for the Rapture 1.In fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, John 14:3 2.In answer to Jesus’ prayer, John 17:24 3. In order to encourage us through death, 1 Thes4:13,18
6. Point 1. The rapture is not the same thing as the second coming.
7. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
8. John 11:43-44 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, and he that was dead came forth
9. Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom:
10. Point 2. The only reason we have been able to i m a g i n e it is because God is able to d o it.
11. Definition: The Greek word harpazomeans to seize, to snatch and take suddenly by force. ἁρπάζω
12. Sam Gordon: "When we think of Christ's soon return there is a sound to hear, a sight to see, a miracle to feel, a meeting to enjoy, and a comfort to experience."
