TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-10
According to Scripture, the Second Coming of Christ encompasses two separate events: the Rapture of the saints, experienced only by those who are overcomers; and the Revelation of Christ, when Jesus comes with His saints from Heaven to set up His Kingdom. During the intervening time, the raptured saints will meet at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, while the Great Tribulation is taking place here on earth. In this lesson we will be studying the Rapture of the Church.
QUESTIONS
- The dictionary gives several definitions for the word rapture. Which definition best fits the event described in our key verse?
- At the time of the Rapture, who will rise first? What happens next?
- What is the difference between the words resurrect and translate? Paraphrase our key verse using these two words.
- We read in Revelation 1:7 that every eye shall see Him. This is speaking of the Revelation of Christ, not the Rapture. Why are we sure that only the saints will see Christ at the Rapture?
- What is the warning implied in our text in 1 Thessalonians 5, as well as in Matthew 24:27 and 1 Corinthians 15:52?
- The Bible teaches that there will be a great separation when Jesus comes for those who are ready. After reading Luke 17:34-36 and Matthew 25:10-12, describe the two groups mentioned in these accounts.
- What change will take place in our physical bodies at the Rapture (Philippians 3:20-21)? Using the following Scriptures, describe the characteristics of Jesus’ glorified body:
Matthew 28:9
Luke 24:31
Luke 24:41-43
John 20:19
Acts 1:9 - In reading the following Scriptures, what conclusions can we draw as to the timing of the Rapture in regard to the Tribulation and the revealing of the Antichrist? See Isaiah 26:20-21; Matthew 24:37; Luke 21:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8.
- What promises do these Scriptures contain for those who look for His coming?
Matthew 24:45-47
John 14:3
Hebrews 9:28
key verse
ANSWER FOR ANSWER
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRITURES
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
THEME THOUGHTS
Time is running out! The human race today is facing a crisis that is literally unimaginable for most people. But indicators in God’s Word reveal that the dramatic events happening all around us signal the end time is at hand. In this quarter we will be delving into these events and their meanings in light of prophecy. In the heart of every true believer is the assurance that Jesus Christ will come back to earth and deal with the insurmountable troubles that face this globe, and will establish His dominion here upon earth. This quarter revolves around the statements made by a group of ancient Hebrew prophets, whose predictions and statements have the stamp of divine authenticity. Much of what they prophesied is yet to come. But we can have confidence in their predictions. All of their prophecies whose time for fulfillment has already come have been literally fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. The events detailed by John in the Book of Revelation are interwoven with these earlier prophecies. The first lesson focusses on Christ. By establishing the validity of prophetic statements concerning Him, we provide a basis for the remaining lessons in the quarter and for our faith that soon the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. The second lesson moves on to explore prophecies concerning the nation of Israel which have already been fulfilled. The third lesson, Signs of the Times, establishes where we now stand on the time-line of history. Succeeding lessons move on into events prophesied which are yet to come. The purpose of this quarter is to help us understand the events we are facing in this world and to recognize the urgency of being ready for the most exciting and glorious event of all—the Rapture of the Church.
MEMORY VERSE
MEMORY VERSE VISUALIZED
LESSON ACTIVITY
MEMORY VERSE SONG
MEMORY VERSE PATTERN
MEMORY VERSE IN ACTION
FAMILY DEVOTIONS
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
MEMORY VERSE
MEMORY VERSE VISUALIZED
MEMORY VERSE SONG
MEMORY VERSE PATTERN
MEMORY VERSE IN ACTION
COORDINATING SONGS
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
key verse
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. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- John 14:1-3
- Revelation 22:20
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
THEME THOUGHTS
Time is running out! The human race today is facing a crisis that is literally unimaginable for most people. But indicators in God’s Word reveal that the dramatic events happening all around us signal the end time is at hand. In this quarter we will be delving into these events and their meanings in light of prophecy. In the heart of every true believer is the assurance that Jesus Christ will come back to earth and deal with the insurmountable troubles that face this globe, and will establish His dominion here upon earth. This quarter revolves around the statements made by a group of ancient Hebrew prophets, whose predictions and statements have the stamp of divine authenticity. Much of what they prophesied is yet to come. But we can have confidence in their predictions. All of their prophecies whose time for fulfillment has already come have been literally fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. The events detailed by John in the Book of Revelation are interwoven with these earlier prophecies. The first lesson focusses on Christ. By establishing the validity of prophetic statements concerning Him, we provide a basis for the remaining lessons in the quarter and for our faith that soon the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. The second lesson moves on to explore prophecies concerning the nation of Israel which have already been fulfilled. The third lesson, Signs of the Times, establishes where we now stand on the time-line of history. Succeeding lessons move on into events prophesied which are yet to come. The purpose of this quarter is to help us understand the events we are facing in this world and to recognize the urgency of being ready for the most exciting and glorious event of all—the Rapture of the Church.
key verse
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. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- John 14:1-3
- Revelation 22:20
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
THEME THOUGHTS
Time is running out! The human race today is facing a crisis that is literally unimaginable for most people. But indicators in God’s Word reveal that the dramatic events happening all around us signal the end time is at hand. In this quarter we will be delving into these events and their meanings in light of prophecy. In the heart of every true believer is the assurance that Jesus Christ will come back to earth and deal with the insurmountable troubles that face this globe, and will establish His dominion here upon earth. This quarter revolves around the statements made by a group of ancient Hebrew prophets, whose predictions and statements have the stamp of divine authenticity. Much of what they prophesied is yet to come. But we can have confidence in their predictions. All of their prophecies whose time for fulfillment has already come have been literally fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. The events detailed by John in the Book of Revelation are interwoven with these earlier prophecies. The first lesson focusses on Christ. By establishing the validity of prophetic statements concerning Him, we provide a basis for the remaining lessons in the quarter and for our faith that soon the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. The second lesson moves on to explore prophecies concerning the nation of Israel which have already been fulfilled. The third lesson, Signs of the Times, establishes where we now stand on the time-line of history. Succeeding lessons move on into events prophesied which are yet to come. The purpose of this quarter is to help us understand the events we are facing in this world and to recognize the urgency of being ready for the most exciting and glorious event of all—the Rapture of the Church.
key verse FOR MEDITATION
devotional focus
LIFE APPLICATION
PERSONAL STUDY
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
key verse FOR MEDITATION
life application
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
key verse FOR MEDITATION
LIFE APPLICATION
FOCUS SCRIPTURES
LESSON KEY
WORD SEARCH
Search Unit 09 - Are You Ready?
key verse FOR MEDITATION
FOCUS SCRIPTURES
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
WORD SEARCH