For a nation plagued with incessant successive crises on the verge of imploding, Kenya seems resigned to the fatalistic tendencies. Deficient urgency and abundant indifference appear to be the modus operandi, ‘Borauhai’ being the de facto national motto. So compromised is the national psyche that doing what’s right is scorned and decadence is appreciated.

While once she had grand ambitions of joining the League of the Mighty, Kenya is now contented with feeding on crumbs. Not long ago, she aspired to be the African version of the Asian Tigers, but now a beggar’s bowl goes ahead of her. It is incumbent upon her people, therefore, to rewind and reflect on when she lost her way and restore her Zeitgeist.

The nation’s soul is at stake; deeply spiritual as she is, the current situation leaves a lot to be desired. Congregations are shrinking while the number of churches is mushrooming exponentially. Suffice it to say, the Church is in a conundrum. While once emanating from the pulpit was God’s love and a place in heaven, the priesthood is now fixated on the materialistic. 

There seem to be no limits to the lows the Church is willing to pander to in pursuit

of the worldly. 

While Christ Jesus drove out those hawking merchandise in God’s temple, a sad reality of the pulpit is now an auction for the highest bidder, disregarding its sanctity. Politicians now campaign and deceive from the pulpit.  

The hapless congregants are left wondering if there is another way, all while charlatans and fraudsters prey on the trusting. All hope seems lost, the gospel binned and replaced by treaties on wealth and mortal indulgence. 

Amidst all these controversies, scandals, and leadership wrangles in the church, there appears one bucking this trend. Insisting on the need to go back to the ways of the first church, and the eminence of the Bible [SolaScriptura], is one Prophet Dr. Owour. In the face of ceaseless adversity, he has consistently preached on the coming of Jesus based on the sacred texts with unmatched zest. 

Perhaps implosion is not inevitable; there just might be hope for the nation!

The concept of the “Rapture” holds a significant place in Christian eschatology, the study of the end times. While interpretations of the Rapture vary among different Christian denominations, it is generally understood as an event in which believers in Jesus Christ are caught up from the earth to meet the Lord in the air. This event is associated with the Second Coming of Christ, and it marks the beginning of a series of transformative and apocalyptic events that will culminate in the fulfillment of God’s divine plan for the world.

This essay aims to explore the Rapture in-depth, examining its biblical foundations, theological implications, historical development, various interpretations, and its significance in the broader context of Christian eschatology. Understanding the Rapture requires careful attention to the scriptures, theological viewpoints, and the various perspectives that have shaped Christian thought over the centuries.

1. Biblical Foundation of the Rapture

The term “Rapture” itself is not found in most translations of the Bible. It is derived from the Latin word rapio, meaning “to seize, carry off, or snatch away,” which is used in the Latin Vulgate translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. In this verse, the Apostle Paul describes the event where believers will be “caught up” to meet Christ in the air. This passage, along with several other key texts, forms the biblical foundation for the doctrine of the Rapture.

A. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The primary passage in support of the Rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where Paul comforts the believers in Thessalonica concerning those who have died in Christ. He writes:

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, NIV)

This passage describes an event where the living and the resurrected believers are “caught up” together to meet the Lord. The term “caught up” (Greek harpazo) is often understood as a snatching away or a quick and forceful gathering. This is the basis for the concept of the Rapture in many Christian teachings, which hold that the faithful will be taken up to be with Christ before a period of great tribulation on earth.

B. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Another key passage is found in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, where Paul writes about the transformation of believers at the resurrection:

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, NIV)

This passage provides a further description of the transformation of believers, as they are changed in a moment at the sound of the last trumpet. It echoes the idea of a sudden, dramatic event where the faithful are transformed and taken to be with the Lord.

C. Matthew 24:36-42 and Revelation 16:15

Though not directly mentioning the Rapture, passages like Matthew 24:36-42 and Revelation 16:15 are often cited to support the belief in a separation between the righteous and the wicked in the end times. In Matthew 24, Jesus speaks of the suddenness of His return, comparing it to the days of Noah when people were taken and others left behind:

“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40-41, NIV)

Some interpret this as a reference to the Rapture, where believers are taken while others are left behind. Similarly, in Revelation 16:15, a warning is given to stay awake, which some interpret as a call for readiness for the Rapture.

2. Theological Interpretations of the Rapture

Over time, different Christian denominations and theologians have developed varying interpretations of the Rapture. These interpretations generally fall into four main categories: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, Post-Tribulation, and Pre-Wrath Rapture. Each perspective holds different views about when the Rapture will occur in relation to the Tribulation—a seven-year period of intense suffering and judgment described in the Bible.

A. Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture theory posits that Christians will be taken up before the Tribulation period begins. This view became especially popular in the 19th century with the rise of dispensationalism and was made widely known through the writings of John Nelson Darby and the Left Behind series of novels. According to this view, the faithful are removed from the earth to avoid the coming wrath, and the Tribulation period is seen as a time of judgment for the unbelieving world.

• Support for Pre-Tribulation Rapture: Proponents of this view often cite 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 as evidence that believers will be taken before the period of suffering. They argue that the Church is not destined for wrath, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:9: “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Theological Implication: The Pre-Tribulation Rapture emphasizes God’s grace and mercy toward His people. It views the Church as distinct from Israel and sees the Tribulation as primarily focused on the Jewish people and the nations that have rejected Christ.

B. Mid-Tribulation Rapture

The Mid-Tribulation Rapture theory suggests that believers will be caught up at the midpoint of the Tribulation, after three and a half years of intense persecution and suffering. This view posits that Christians will experience the early part of the Tribulation but will be spared from the worst of God’s wrath, which is believed to occur during the second half of the Tribulation.

• Support for Mid-Tribulation Rapture: Advocates of this view point to Revelation 11:15-19 and the trumpet judgments as evidence that the worst part of God’s wrath comes after the first three and a half years. They argue that the “last trumpet” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:52 refers to the seventh trumpet in Revelation, signaling the rapture at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
• Theological Implication: This view balances the belief that Christians will face some suffering during the Tribulation but will be spared from the ultimate judgment that follows. It reflects a view of God as both just and merciful, allowing believers to endure some tribulation but not the full outpouring of wrath.

C. Post-Tribulation Rapture

The Post-Tribulation Rapture theory posits that believers will be taken up at the end of the Tribulation, after enduring the full seven years of suffering and judgment. This view holds that the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are one and the same event, meaning that Christians will go through the Tribulation but will be caught up to meet Christ as He returns to establish His Kingdom.

• Support for Post-Tribulation Rapture: Those who hold this view emphasize passages like Matthew 24:29-31, which describe the return of Christ after the Tribulation, and argue that the Rapture will occur simultaneously with Christ’s Second Coming. They point to the idea that believers are not promised exemption from suffering and that the Church’s mission includes enduring trials and tribulations.
• Theological Implication: The Post-Tribulation view emphasizes the idea of perseverance and faithfulness in the midst of trials. It teaches that Christians will face suffering for Christ’s sake but will ultimately be delivered and rewarded at the end of the Tribulation.

D. Pre-Wrath Rapture

The Pre-Wrath Rapture theory is a more recent interpretation that suggests believers will be taken up shortly before the outpouring of God’s wrath at the end of the Tribulation. This view combines aspects of both the Pre-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation perspectives, holding that the Church will face the tribulation but will be spared from the worst of God’s judgment.

• Support for Pre-Wrath Rapture: This view emphasizes the idea that the Church will not face God’s wrath but will experience persecution and suffering during the Tribulation. It is based on passages like Revelation 6:12-17, where God’s wrath is poured out after the opening of the seals, which some argue happens near the end of the Tribulation.
• Theological Implication: The Pre-Wrath view sees the Church as undergoing some judgment but ultimately being spared from the worst of God’s wrath. It suggests that God’s wrath is separate from the Tribulation, and the faithful will be taken up just before that final judgment.

3. The Rapture in the Broader Context of Christian Eschatology

The Rapture is often understood within the broader context of Christian eschatology, which includes various events such as the Tribulation, the rise of the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, and the ultimate establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. Understanding the Rapture requires considering these events as part of a timeline of the end times, as described in the Bible.

A. The Tribulation

The Tribulation is a period of intense suffering and judgment that is described in the Book of Revelation. It is a time when the Antichrist will rise to power, and God’s wrath will be poured out on the earth. While the specific duration and nature of the Tribulation are debated, it is commonly seen as a time of great distress for the world.

• The Role of the Rapture: The Rapture is seen as the event that precedes or coincides with the Tribulation, depending on one’s view. Those who hold to the Pre-Tribulation or Pre-Wrath Rapture view believe that the faithful will be taken up to avoid the suffering of the Tribulation. Those who hold the Post-Tribulation view believe that believers will endure the Tribulation but will be delivered at the end.

B. The Return of Christ

The Second Coming of Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. It is when Christ returns to judge the world, defeat evil, and establish His eternal Kingdom. The Rapture is closely connected to the return of Christ, as believers are taken up to meet Him in the air.

• The Link Between the Rapture and the Second Coming: Some views, particularly the Post-Tribulation view, see the Rapture and the Second Coming as one event. Others, like the Pre-Tribulation view, distinguish the Rapture as a separate event that occurs before Christ’s final return to earth.

4. Conclusion: The Hope and Implications of the Rapture

The Rapture is a doctrine that offers hope and comfort to believers, assuring them that Jesus will return to take them to be with Him. It emphasizes the belief in God’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil, and it provides encouragement for Christians to remain faithful in the face of trials. While the timing and nature of the Rapture are debated, its significance lies in its affirmation of God’s promises to His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His plan for salvation and restoration.

Ultimately, the Rapture calls Christians to live with a sense of urgency, hope, and anticipation, knowing that Christ will return to complete the work He began and to establish His Kingdom in power and glory.

The Differences Between the First and Second Coming of Christ

The concept of Christ’s coming is central to Christian theology and eschatology. Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return in two distinct events: His First Coming, which occurred over two millennia ago, and His Second Coming, which remains a future event that will mark the fulfillment of God’s plan for creation. Understanding the differences between these two comings is crucial for grasping the essence of the Christian faith and the hope believers place in the return of Christ.

In this essay, we will explore the theological, scriptural, and practical differences between the First and Second Comings of Christ. These differences can be viewed through various lenses: His purpose in coming, the manner of His arrival, the scope of His mission, and the response He will invoke in the world. By considering these distinctions, we can gain a clearer understanding of the significance of both His First and Second Coming in the Christian narrative.

1. The First Coming of Christ: Humble Beginnings and the Mission of Redemption

The First Coming of Christ refers to His incarnation—when the eternal Son of God took on human form and entered the world through the virgin birth of Mary in Bethlehem. This event, celebrated as Christmas, marks the moment when Jesus, the Savior of humanity, was born into a fallen world.

A. The Purpose of the First Coming

The primary purpose of Jesus’ First Coming was to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament and to bring salvation to humanity. This is clearly stated in several places in Scripture:

• To Seek and Save the Lost: In Luke 19:10, Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The First Coming was not to judge the world but to offer redemption to those who were lost in sin.
• To Be the Sacrifice for Sin: The First Coming also had a sacrificial purpose. Jesus came to die on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity. This was part of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind (Matthew 20:28, John 3:16).
• To Reveal the Kingdom of God: Jesus came to announce the arrival of God’s Kingdom, not in a political sense, but in the spiritual and eternal sense. He taught that the Kingdom of God was among them (Luke 17:21), and He modeled its values through His life and teachings.

B. The Manner of the First Coming

The manner of Jesus’ arrival was marked by humility, obscurity, and suffering. His birth in a manger, to a young woman and a carpenter, is a profound contrast to the expectations many had for the Messiah.

• Humility and Poverty: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a stable, to a poor family. This is in stark contrast to the powerful and regal expectations that many Jews had for their Messiah. Rather than coming as a conquering king, Jesus arrived as a humble servant, embodying the nature of God’s love and grace (Philippians 2:6-8).
• Obscurity: For much of His early life, Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah. He lived in relative obscurity in Nazareth, and His public ministry did not begin until He was around 30 years old. While He performed miracles and taught the people, He was often rejected and misunderstood by many, even by His own people (John 1:11).
• Suffering and Rejection: Jesus’ First Coming was also characterized by rejection, suffering, and ultimately, His crucifixion. He came to His own people, but they did not accept Him (John 1:11). The suffering that culminated in His death on the cross was an integral part of His mission to redeem humanity from sin.

C. The Response to the First Coming

While Jesus’ First Coming was a time of great promise and hope for many, it was also a time of great division. Some accepted Jesus as the Messiah, while others rejected Him, and even plotted to kill Him. Those who accepted Him received the gift of eternal life through faith in His name (John 1:12), while those who rejected Him remained in their sin.

• Faith and Discipleship: Those who followed Jesus during His First Coming were called to a life of discipleship. They were to follow His teachings, serve others, and ultimately carry His message of salvation to the world.
• Opposition and Rejection: Many religious leaders, especially the Pharisees, rejected Jesus because He did not fit their expectations of a political or military Messiah. His challenge to the religious status quo, His miracles, and His radical teachings led to significant opposition.

D. The Outcome of the First Coming

The First Coming of Christ culminated in His death on the cross, followed by His resurrection. These events are foundational to the Christian faith and mark the beginning of the new covenant between God and humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the means of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

• The Cross and Resurrection: Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system. Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him (Romans 6:9-10).
• The Great Commission: Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every nation (Matthew 28:18-20). The First Coming laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

2. The Second Coming of Christ: Glory, Judgment, and the Restoration of All Things

The Second Coming of Christ is the future event when Jesus will return to earth in glory to complete the work He began during His First Coming. This event will be dramatically different from His First Coming, both in its nature and its outcomes.

A. The Purpose of the Second Coming

While the First Coming was centered on redemption and offering salvation to humanity, the Second Coming will be characterized by judgment, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the restoration of God’s Kingdom.

• To Judge the Living and the Dead: One of the central purposes of the Second Coming is the judgment of all people, both the living and the dead. Jesus will return as the righteous Judge, and every person will give an account of their life. Those who have trusted in Christ will be rewarded with eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Timothy 4:1).
• To Establish God’s Kingdom: The Second Coming will bring about the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom on earth. Jesus will reign as King, and His rule will bring peace, justice, and righteousness. The earthly Kingdom of God will be fully realized when Christ returns to establish a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).
• To Restore All Things: The Second Coming will bring the ultimate restoration of creation. All things will be made new, and the effects of sin and the fall will be eradicated. Suffering, pain, and death will be no more, as God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:4).

B. The Manner of the Second Coming

The Second Coming will be vastly different from the First Coming in terms of its nature and its public visibility. While Jesus’ First Coming was humble and largely unnoticed by the world, His Second Coming will be a glorious and unmistakable event.

• In Glory and Majesty: Jesus will return in great power and glory. He will come not as a humble servant, but as the victorious King, surrounded by heavenly hosts. His arrival will be visible to all people, and every eye will see Him (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 1:7).
• With Authority: Unlike His First Coming, when Jesus was often rejected, the Second Coming will be a time of absolute authority. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). His authority will be undeniable, and His reign will be just and righteous.
• Sudden and Unexpected: The exact time of Christ’s return is unknown, and it will come unexpectedly. Jesus warns His followers to be ready and watchful, as His return will happen like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:2).

C. The Response to the Second Coming

The response to the Second Coming will be universal, but it will differ depending on one’s relationship with Christ.

• Joy and Anticipation for Believers: For Christians, the Second Coming will be a time of great joy and anticipation. It will be the fulfillment of their hope and the realization of their salvation. They will experience the full restoration of their relationship with God and enter into eternal life with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Titus 2:13).
• Fear and Despair for Unbelievers: For those who have rejected Christ, the Second Coming will be a time of fear and despair. The judgment they face will be eternal separation from God, and they will experience the consequences of their rejection of the Gospel (Matthew 25:41-46, Revelation 20:11-15).

D. The Outcome of the Second Coming

The Second Coming will result in the final judgment and the establishment of the eternal Kingdom of God. This will bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people and the ultimate defeat of evil.

• The Final Judgment: At the Second Coming, Jesus will judge every person according to their deeds and their faith in Him. Those who have trusted in Christ will inherit eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15).
• The New Heaven and New Earth: The Second Coming will also mark the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people. There will be no more suffering, pain, or death, and God’s perfect justice and peace will reign forever (Revelation 21:1-4, Isaiah 65:17-25).

3. Conclusion: The Hope and Urgency of Christ’s Return

The differences between the First and Second Coming of Christ are significant and profound. The First Coming was marked by humility, sacrifice, and the offer of redemption, while the Second Coming will be characterized by glory, judgment, and the restoration of all things. These two events are inextricably linked, as the Second Coming fulfills the promises made during the First Coming and brings to completion God’s plan of salvation.

For Christians, the Second Coming is a source of great hope and anticipation. It is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the culmination of history. However, it is also a call to live faithfully, as the timing of Christ’s return is unknown. Christians are called to live in readiness, proclaiming the Gospel, and persevering in faith as they wait for the glorious return of their Savior.

As we reflect on the First and Second Comings of Christ, we are reminded of the central truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and that His return will usher in the fullness of God’s Kingdom.