If you have not already done so, read Part 2 of the three-part Series on THE Rapture.

Living in Light: The Sanctifying Power of Grace

Paul's exhortation to live as children of light, forsaking the deeds of darkness, encapsulates the transformative power of GRACE. GRACE not only justifies but also sanctifies, enabling believers to live out their new identity IN CHRIST. Scripture serves as a blueprint for the future Christian life, empowered by GRACE to embody virtues like love, wisdom, and thankfulness, contrasting starkly with their former lives.

Ephesians 5:5-21 “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disGRACEful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.’ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Scripture describes THE RAPTURE, where believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, embodying the hope and culmination of GRACE. This rapture event represents the ultimate manifestation of GRACE, where believers are finally and fully united WITH CHRIST. It serves as a comforting assurance to the faithful, reinforcing the promise of eternal life and divine fellowship that GRACE secures.

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

The Ultimate Reunion: The Rapture as Grace's Climax

As Jesus proclaims His imminent return, the call to heed the prophetic words of Revelation underscores GRACE as both a warning and an invitation. Highlight this as an appeal to embrace the full implications of GRACE—preparation for the Lord’s return through vigilant, obedient living. It reinforces the urgency of living in the light of Christ’s imminent return, motivated by the GRACE that promises blessing to those who remain faithful.

Revelation 22:7 “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done." This passage reflects the consummation of GRACE where Jesus emphasizes the imminent nature of His return and the accompanying judgment. The fulfillment of GRACE, where divine justice and mercy meet. The rewards signify the culmination of a life lived by GRACE, where every act done in faith and obedience to God is acknowledged and rewarded by Christ Himself, showcasing the completeness of GRACE that covers, compels, and crowns believers' lives.

Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

Heeding the Prophetic Call: Grace as Warning and Invitation

When Pilate brings Jesus out and sits on the judgment seat, this moment encapsulates the judicial aspect of GRACE. Despite the injustice faced by Jesus, the scene prefigures the ultimate righteous judgment of God through Christ. This profound paradox highlights GRACE working through suffering, where Christ's own unjust trial paves the way for the justifying GRACE available to all humanity. It underscores the divine strategy where God's GRACE uses human injustice to enact divine justice.

John 19:13 “Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha.”

In his declaration of the transformation at the resurrection, Paul illuminates the final victory of GRACE over death. Understanding this as a pivotal demonstration of GRACE's power, where the perishable is clothed with the imperishable. The sudden, miraculous change at the last trumpet echoes the sudden, transformative power of GRACE that believers experience in salvation—immediate, complete, and irreversible. Scripture declares a triumphal proclamation of ultimate victory, where mortality is swallowed up by life.

1 Corinthians 15:50-52 “Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

The Imminent Return: Reward and Judgment in Christ's Coming

Paul’s statement, “And those who are in the flesh cannot please God,” serves as a stark reminder of the transformative and enabling power of GRACE. Scripture underscores that living under GRACE means living by the Spirit, not bound by the flesh. It emphasizes that GRACE liberates believers from the dominion of the flesh, enabling a life that is pleasing to God through the Spirit. This teaching reiterates the holistic change GRACE effects in the believer, transforming not only status but also nature.

Romans 8:8 “And those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Jesus encapsulates the peace and victory that HIS GRACE provides. Jesus assures His followers that despite the inevitable struggles in the world, the GRACE that flows from Him overcomes every trial and tribulation. This promise of peace is not merely an absence of conflict but a profound spiritual reality of overcoming GRACE, affirming the sovereignty and sufficiency of GRACE in all circumstances.

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Resurrection and Transformation: The Victory of Grace Over Death

Paul addresses concerns about the Day of the Lord, urging believers not to be easily unsettled or deceived. GRACE provides clarity and peace, keeping believers grounded in truth despite rumors and fear, reinforcing the importance of a GRACE-based understanding in discerning prophetic events and maintaining spiritual composure.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.”

Scripture warns of the deception that precedes Christ's return, specifically the revelation of the "man of lawlessness." GRACE equips believers with discernment and resilience against deception. Scripture serves as a reminder that the GRACE that saves is also the GRACE that sustains and protects, preparing believers to face end-time apostasy with spiritual vigilance and steadfast faith.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.”

John's vision of a new heaven and a new earth where the former things have passed away illustrates the restorative power of GRACE. It is the ultimate fulfillment of God's GRACE, where all creation is renewed and perfected. This new creation is free from the pain and corruption of the old, showcasing GRACE's capacity to completely transform and renew, making all things new in accordance with God's redemptive plan.

Revelation 21:1 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.”

Paul quotes Isaiah, emphasizing the immediacy and accessibility of God's GRACE: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." It reminds believers that GRACE is not only a future hope but a present reality, accessible and effective at the moment of need, providing immediate aid and opportunity for salvation and transformation.

2 Corinthians 6:2 “For He says, ‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’”

Living by the Spirit: The Life-Pleasing to God

Paul instructs believers to set their hearts on things above, where Christ is. This extensive passage details the lifestyle of someone living under the influence of GRACE. GRACE not only changes one's spiritual status but also transforms daily behavior, enabling believers to put to death earthly desires and cultivate virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Scripture encapsulates the ethical and transformative impact of GRACE on a believer’s life, encouraging a community built on mutual forgiveness and love, mirroring the heavenly reality.

Colossians 3:1-17 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Paul describes the transformation of the body at the resurrection, contrasting the perishable with the imperishable. This illustrates the ultimate triumph of GRACE over mortality. GRACE not only redeems the soul but promises a future transformation of the body. This resurrection power shows that GRACE fully restores and perfects all aspects of believers, conforming them to the image of the heavenly, just as they once bore the image of the earthly.

1 Corinthians 15:42-49 “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living soul.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.”

Spiritual Vigilance: Preparing for Christ's Return

Paul delves into the mystery of the resurrection, where mortal flesh is clothed with immortality. This is the climax of GRACE's work in a believer's life—delivering from death itself, which is the ultimate enemy. The transformation at the last trumpet exemplifies the sudden and complete transformation GRACE achieves, ensuring that believers not only live a new life spiritually but will also partake in eternal life physically. The victory over death and sin through Jesus Christ is celebrated as the crowning achievement of GRACE.

1 Corinthians 15:50-57 “Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul summarizes the essence of GRACE and its implications for Christian living. GRACE teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly passions, empowering us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Scripture encapsulates GRACE as a transformative teacher, a source of hope, and the foundation for anticipating Christ’s return. GRACE not only saves but molds character, cultivates hope, and fosters anticipation for Christ’s glory.

Titus 2:11-15 “For the GRACE of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”

The Deception Before the Dawn: The Man of Lawlessness

In this admonition to recognize the urgency of the times, Paul calls believers to awake from spiritual slumber. Embrace the full implications of GRACE in practical living—putting aside deeds of darkness and clothing oneself with the armor of light, which represents the characteristics of Jesus. Scripture underscores the proactive aspect of GRACE, which not only redeems but actively engages believers in the pursuit of holiness and preparedness for Christ's return.

Romans 13:11-14 “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its desires.”

"He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" This concluding affirmation in Revelation encapsulates the hope and anticipation nurtured by GRACE. The believer’s ultimate affirmation of GRACE’s promise—the eager anticipation of Jesus' appearing. This scripture resonates with a deep yearning for the fulfillment of all that GRACE promises, reflecting a heart fully aligned with God’s purposes and timing.

Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

This is the third and final PART in an article series - THE Rapture

THE Rapture: Christ's Divine Promise to His Bride - Part 1

THE Rapture: Christ's Divine Promise to His Bride - Part 2

THE Rapture: Christ's Divine Promise to His Bride - Part 3