Jack  Hibbs: Why do I believe in the rapture?

Why does Pastor Jack Hibbs believe in the Rapture? In this Q&A, Pastor Jack shares the biblical case for our “blessed hope,” walking through Jesus’ promise to receive His church to the Father’s house (John 14:1–3) and Paul’s teaching on being “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). He also touches on 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, Titus 2:13, and how living ready changes the way we follow Jesus today.

Have a question for a future episode? Drop it in the comments—we’re reading them!

Key Scriptures: John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Titus 2:13

Why Do I Believe in the Rapture?

The reason why I believe in the Rapture is the same reason I believe in water baptism—or, for that matter, salvation by faith and faith alone: because it’s in the Bible. What I mean is this: in John 14, Jesus is the first to introduce the teaching of the Rapture (John 14:1–3). The apostle Paul then elaborates on it beautifully in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, in great detail.

Here’s what we need to remember: the first and second comings of Jesus Christ are to the Jewish people and to Jerusalem, to set up His kingdom. The Rapture, however, is an appearance in the atmosphere to take the Church to heaven to meet Christ. Revelation 19 shows the Church in heaven before the great second coming of Christ.

So it’s biblical—and it’s our blessed hope.