By William F. Holland Jr. Ph.D.

Ordained/Licensed Christian minister

When discussing the rapture happening before the second coming of Christ, I and II Thessalonians are familiar letters that find their way into the conversation. The word “rapture” itself is not in the English Bible, however, it comes from the Latin Vulgate’s translation of the Greek verb “harpazô” found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, and commonly taught as a time when God will secretly rescues His people from the great tribulation. II Thessalonians chapter 2 begins with an encouragement to not be upset that the day of the Lord is at hand, however, in this event, every eye will see Him and know that He is God.

When these books were written, the new followers of Jesus were expecting Him to return in His divine authority to con

See Full Page