Rapture
Holman Bible Dictionary [1]
rapio 1 Thessalonians 4:17 harpagesometha
This view sees a tribulation period immediately before the second coming of Christ. Pre-tribulationists see the rapture occurring prior to the tribulation. This approach places the church in heaven during the time of tribulation on earth.
Mid-tribulationists place the rapture at the mid-point of a seven-year tribulation period. The church remains on earth for the first half of the tribulation, but escapes the last half which is seen to be the time of intense or great tribulation. This view, along with the previous one, sees the second coming of Christ in two phases. The first phase will be a secret coming in clouds to rapture the church. The second will be His return with the church to reign on earth.
Posttribulationists hold the church will remain on earth during the tribulation period. While that time will be one of wrath upon the world system, the church will be protected from divine wrath although experiencing tribulation. This view avoids dividing the return of Christ into two phases. See Eschatology; Future Hope; Tribulation .
Jerry W. Batson
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): ( v. t.) To transport with excitement; to enrapture.
(2): ( n.) The state or condition of being rapt, or carried away from one's self by agreeable excitement; violence of a pleasing passion; extreme joy or pleasure; ecstasy.
(3): ( n.) A spasm; a fit; a syncope; delirium.
(4): ( n.) A seizing by violence; a hurrying along; rapidity with violence.
