This is the classic Rapture verse, and many modern-day theologians have twisted the scriptures to attempt to pacify the church into not worrying about enduring tribulation during the end times. The way they do this is through the phrase "come up hither" found in the book of Revelation. However, it is not the only time it is mentioned in Revelation!

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Revelation 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: Revelation 21:9-10 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God

Most contemporary theologians claim the rapture occurs at the first mention of the phrase "come up hither" in the book of Revelation; however, what about the other three occasions where the phrase is used? I understand the second speaking of the two witnesses, but the other three are speaking about John; how can the phrase mean the church when the angel is only addressing either John of the two witnesses to "come up hither?"

The following verses may help the church understand exactly when the catching away, or the rapture, of the church shall occur.

Matthew 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:40-41 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Revelation 14:14-16 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. Revelation 19:6-7 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

We will not know when Jesus Christ will return, nor do we truly understand the mystery of the catching away of the saints, known in most Christian circles as the Rapture. Even though I believe the Rapture occurs in Scripture in Revelation 14:14-16, I do know the cross of Calvary, where the blood of Jesus Christ was shed to provide you with the perfect sacrifice for the remission of your sins, which is what we should focus on in our Christian walk.

If you would like to receive forgiveness for your sins, please pray to God, confess your specific sins to Him in contriteness and in all humility, and ask Him to forgive you of breaking His law. Ask Jesus for His blood to wash away your sins. Tell Jesus that you believe He rose physically from the dead, enabling you to access Him in prayer, allowing you to access God through knowing Jesus Christ personally and intimately. Finally, ask God for His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, to dwell in you, which is the prize of eternal life while living in this world. Read the Bible everyday. Pray every moment. Believe, and be baptized, and walk with God for the rest of your life in Jesus' name.

Praise Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God!