The Rapture refers to that time when Jesus is going to come, without warning,
and take away His Church from this earth. After the Rapture, the Lord will pour out His wrath upon this sinful world.
Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, declared, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (I Corinthians 15:51-52a, italics added).
There are people who say, “I don’t believe in the Rapture of the Church,” because the word “rapture” isn’t in our English Bible. But in I Thessalonians 4:17, we read, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (italics added).
The word translated “caught up” in the Greek is harpazo, which means “to be taken away by force.” It’s usually used as a military term related to the taking of hostages. The Latin Vulgate translates harpazo as “rapture,” and that is where we get our English word “rapture.” Jesus will return to rapture His church.
Chuck Smith
The Romans Road to salvation – What is it?
The Romans Road to salvation is a method based on the biblical principles found in the New Testament book of Romans. It explains how a person can come to faith in Jesus Christ. Shared with millions of people around the world, the Romans Road explains why we need salvation, how God provided salvation, how we can receive salvation, and the results of salvation.
The Romans Road begins with acknowledging our human sinfulness. Romans 3:23 teaches, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We have all done things that displease God (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10).
The Romans Road then explains the consequences of sin. Romans 6:23 teaches, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This refers to spiritual death and separation from God for eternity.
Next the Romans Road teaches how God has provided salvation. Romans 5:8 states, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While we deserve death, Jesus has offered a way of life. He alone has provided a sufficient answer to the sin and spiritual death we face.
The Romans Road then teaches how we can receive salvation. Romans 10:9 says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Verse 13 adds, “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” Salvation is available to anyone who will turn to Jesus for eternal life (John 3:16). This occurs when we believe Jesus is Lord and that He literally came alive again from the dead.
Finally, the Romans Road shares the results of salvation. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The result is a relationship with God. This includes peace (Romans 8:1) and security (Romans 8:38-39).
Would you like to follow the Romans Road to salvation?
If so, here is a simple prayer you can pray to God. The words of this prayer will not save you; only Jesus saves you! However, this may be a helpful example of how you can agree with God about your sin and accept His salvation:
“Dear God, I realize I am a sinner deserving of death. I can never be forgiven or reach heaven by my own good deeds. But you have provided salvation for me. I place my faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for my sins, rose from the dead, and offers me the gift of eternal life. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for you. Thank you for accepting me and giving me eternal life.”
If you’ve just prayed this prayer, Welcome to the family!
Find out more about a lifelong walk with Jesus at Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities, or listen to BOLD Christian Radio KBLD, or Crosswalk with Pastor Steve Whinery.