Meeting the Lord: Rapture or Return?

One of the most anticipated and, at times, controversial themes in Christian eschatology is the event often called the "rapture," the idea that believers will be caught up to meet the Lord. But what does the Bible really say? Is it about escaping the world or welcoming the King? Is it a secret rapture or the glorious return of Jesus? Let's look at it together.

The Popular Picture: Escape and Fear

For many modern believers, especially those influenced by dispensational teaching, the rapture is envisioned as a sudden, secret evacuation of the faithful from a doomed world. This view gained traction in the 19th and 20th centuries and was popularized through novels and films. The narrative goes like this: Jesus returns secretly to snatch away the Church, then tribulation and judgment fall upon the earth.

But is this the biblical picture?

The Biblical Language: Meeting the Lord

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17:

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive… will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”

The key phrase here is “meet the Lord.” In Greek, this is the word apantēsis, a technical term often used when citizens of a city go out to meet a visiting dignitary or king and then escort him into the city.

This isn’t an evacuation. It’s a royal welcome.

Victory, Not Escape

From a victorious eschatological standpoint, the focus isn’t on the Church escaping the world, but on Christ returning to rule and renew it. Jesus is not coming to rescue a failing church; He is coming to be received by a triumphant Bride.

What happens when we meet the Lord?

  • The dead are raised.

  • The living are transformed.

  • The Lord is revealed in glory.

  • The earth becomes the theatre of His kingdom.

This aligns with the New Testament's consistent message of the bodily return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and the renewal of all things, not the abandonment of creation.

A Soteriological Perspective

Soteria, the Greek word for salvation, means more than just deliverance from sin. It includes healing, preservation, restoration, and ultimate glorification. So when we think of the “rapture” or the return of Christ, we should ask: What kind of salvation is this?

  • Is it consistent with the Gospel of the Kingdom?

  • Does it align with God’s plan to make all things new (Revelation 21:5)?

  • Does it demonstrate the victory of the Cross and Resurrection?

A theology of Soteria insists that salvation is not about evacuation, but transformation of individuals, communities, and ultimately the entire cosmos. 

The Return of the King

The New Testament speaks repeatedly of the appearing (epiphaneia) and revelation (apokalupsis) of Jesus Christ. These words speak of something public, visible, and glorious.

When Christ returns, every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). The kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our God and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15). The creation that groans will rejoice (Romans 8:19-21). And the Church will not disappear, but reign with Him.

This is not a secret rapture. This is a triumphant return.

'So, What Should We Do Now?

If our hope is not escape but His return, how should we live?

  1. With Expectancy:
    Not fear, but faith. The return of Christ is our blessed hope.

  2. With Endurance:
    We are not promised exemption from suffering but grace to overcome.

  3. With Engagement:
    The mission matters. Our work in the world contributes to God’s unfolding victory.

  4. With Joy:
    We are the welcoming party, not a hiding remnant. 

Conclusion: Meeting the Lord

In the end, the question is not “Will we escape?” but “Will we be ready to receive the King?”

The rapture, rightly understood, is not a departure but an arrival. It’s not an end but a beginning. It is the culmination of Soteria, when salvation is fully realized, when Christ is revealed in glory, and when we, as His people, joyfully rise to welcome Him.

So whether by resurrection or transformation, we will meet the Lord, not to leave the world behind, but to celebrate the final triumph of His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

For more in-depth teaching and clarity on this topic, get a copy of my book Soteria and Victorious Eschatology, Volume 3. You will be blessed. 

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