“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” — 1 John 4:18
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” — Psalm 23:6
A Global Moment, Not a Local One
When the rapture happens, the Bible describes it as a single, sudden event that will affect the whole world. Jesus spoke of people sleeping at night in one place while others work during the day somewhere else. These images from Luke 17:34–36 and Matthew 24:40–41 show us two things:
- It will happen simultaneously across the globe. Time zones won’t stagger God’s timing.
- God wants us to keep living faithfully. We are not told to give up our lives or sell everything and wait apart from others. Instead, we should work, rest, serve, and live out our callings, staying ready through everyday faithfulness when He returns.
What Readiness Looks Like
Being ready does not mean being perfect. It means walking with Christ and having 'oil in the lamp,' as described in Matthew 25:1–13. In this parable, the oil represents having the Holy Spirit within us, maintaining a close relationship with Jesus, and possessing a living, genuine faith that shines out in our lives.
- Faith in Christ alone (John 3:16).
- Walking in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:22–23).
- Living in love and holiness (1 John 4:7; 1 Peter 1:16).
- Persevering in trials (Revelation 2:10).
Some people might be chosen to stay behind for special reasons during the tribulation, but the main promise is that those who belong to Him and are ready will be gathered to Him, as 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 says.
What Happens to My Stuff?
Talking about the rapture can sometimes feel abstract, but there’s a very down-to-earth question many people ask quietly: What happens to my stuff?
The truth is, life is not promised (James 4:14). Whether by death, unexpected events, or the rapture itself, each of us should already be thinking wisely about the stewardship of what we leave behind. Scripture calls us to faith, but also to prudence (Proverbs 27:12; Proverbs 13:22).
Just as God expects us to keep working and living until the moment He calls us home, He also calls us to order our earthly responsibilities in love for those who remain.
Key Steps to Consider
- Write a Will. A simple will explains how your belongings will be shared and who will make sure your wishes are followed.
- If possible, set up a trust. A trust can help your estate avoid probate and make things easier for your loved ones, especially if you have property, investments, or young children.
- Name Beneficiaries. Many accounts, like bank, retirement, or insurance, let you choose who will receive them. This is a quick and easy way to make sure your assets go where you want.
- Power of Attorney. Choose a trusted family member or friend to make financial or medical decisions if you cannot. This helps protect you and eases stress for your loved ones.
- Advance Medical Directive or Living Will. Write down your wishes for medical care, such as treatment, resuscitation, or comfort care, so your family does not have to make hard choices alone.
If You Don’t Want a Trust or Complex Planning
Not everyone is ready for full estate planning. Here are easy, low-bar steps you can still take:
- Consider making a simple will—many states allow a handwritten or online notarized version.
- Add beneficiaries to your bank accounts and retirement plans.
- Keep a list of important passwords, accounts, and policies in a safe place, and tell one trusted person where to find it.
- Talk openly with your family about your wishes. Even a simple conversation now can help prevent problems or misunderstandings later.
Spiritual Perspective
Estate planning is not a lack of faith. It is an act of love and stewardship.
- Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”
- 1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Preparing your “stuff” isn’t about holding on to possessions, but about helping your loved ones avoid confusion, stress, or disputes when you’re gone.
We cannot take our possessions with us. But with wisdom and love, we can make sure what we leave behind is not a burden. Christ calls us to be ready in both spiritual and practical ways.
Always With the Lord
What happens and where do we go after the Rapture? Paul assures us: 'And so we shall always be with the Lord' (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This does not mean we will only be in heaven. It means we will never be apart from Christ again. We will be with Him in heaven, with Him when He returns in glory, with Him as He reigns in His kingdom, and with Him forever in the new creation. The focus is on being united with Him, not on where we are.
Facing the Reality of Exclusion
2 Thessalonians 1:8–9 – judgment comes upon those who “do not know God” and “do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”
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Non-believers in Christ → none are included.
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Professing Christians without genuine faith → some will not be included.
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True believers in Christ → all are included
Here lies the sobering side:
- This is something only promised to those who believe in Christ.
John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
- And not all who call themselves “Christian” will be ready.
Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom” (Matthew 7:21). The virgins who had no oil, though waiting, were shut out (Matthew 25:10–12).
This may be difficult, but we must consider it with care. Our words matter deeply. While some may joke about unbelievers 'babysitting pets after the rapture, this does not reflect Christ’s character. His heart is compassionate and longs for everyone.
- Paul had “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” for the lost (Romans 9:2).
- Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing their rejection (Luke 19:41–44).
We should respond with compassion and a sense of urgency, not with pride or exclusion. We share the truth with caring hearts and a welcoming attitude.
When Anxiety Sets In
For many, thinking about “keeping the lamp full” can feel overwhelming. How can you be sure you have enough oil? What if you fall short?
Here’s the good news:
- The oil is given, not earned. The Spirit is a gift (Luke 11:13).
- Grace carries weak lamps. “He who began a good work in you will complete it” (Philippians 1:6).
- Rest replaces restlessness. Jesus said, “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
- The Spirit Himself sustains you. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26).
- Love removes fear. We are meant to live by trust, not fear.
The promise is not that we must keep ourselves filled by working hard. Instead, God gives oil to anyone who asks, and the Spirit keeps our faith alive. We are called to stay open, not to struggle.
Meat That is Gentle to Chew
So, how do we hold this teaching?
- The rapture will be sudden, global, and unavoidable.
- Readiness is personal: no one can borrow faith from another.
- We are to live an ordinary life with extraordinary faithfulness.
- God’s people are safe, not because they are perfect, but because of His perfect grace.
- The fate of non-believers should stir compassion, not pride.
- Fear is replaced with love, rest, and the Spirit’s sustaining power.
This is not milk, but it is soft meat — chewable truth for hearts that long for hope.
2 Timothy 4:8 – a crown is given to “all who have loved His appearing.”
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy…” — Jude 24
