Waiting for the Rapture: Judgment Day in Pentecostal thinking

THE Second Coming represents a core belief in the Christian tradition, asserting that Jesus Christ will return to Earth following his ascension into Heaven.

- PROF MOOKGO SOLOMON KGATLE

AN IMAGE of the prophet Elijah being taken up into the heavens. In recent years, the discourse surrounding rapture and related themes concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ has once again captured public interest. | Al

This concept is rooted in messianic prophecies and plays a prominent role in various Christian eschatological frameworks.

The Greek term parousia (presence or coming) highlights the anticipated “Second Coming” of Jesus, focusing on His arrival and ongoing presence with His followers.

Akey doctrine that has arisen from this expectation is the Rapture. Within the larger context of eschatology — the study of the end times — the Rapture conveys the idea that on this significant day, all living believers and those who have passed away will be taken up to meet Jesus Christ in the air.

In simpler terms, the Rapture refers to that profound moment when believers in Jesus Christ are “caught up” to meet him in the skies, transforming their mortal bodies for eternity while those who have died in faith rise to join them.

In a broader conceptual fashion, rapture is expressed in the Old Testament, where it is noted that both Enoch and Elijah were taken up to be with God. The account of Elijah’s ascent is more explicit than that of Enoch.

According to 2 Kings 2:11, it recounts: “While Elisha and Elijah were walking and conversing, a magnificent chariot and horses of fire suddenly appeared, parting them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.”