What Is the Rapture
The rapture is a Christian eschatological event in which believers are believed to be caught up to meet Christ in the air. The term comes from the Latin translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, describing a sudden gathering of the faithful.
What Happens at the Rapture
According to this belief, deceased believers are resurrected, living believers are transformed, and both are united with Christ. The event is described as instantaneous and global, occurring without prior warning. Some traditions teach that it precedes a period of tribulation on earth.
Different Views on the Timing
Christian scholars hold varying views on when the rapture occurs. Pretribulationism teaches it happens before a seven-year tribulation. Posttribulationism places it after that period, while midtribulation and prewrath views suggest intermediate timing. These interpretations are based on different readings of New Testament prophecy.
For a broader overview of Christian eschatological beliefs, see the overview at eschatology overview.
