Jesus died for us on the cross, in our place. “He conquered death and the grave;” (1Corinthians 15:55-58) making it possible for believers to live in eternity with Him in Heaven at the time of their death. But this promise is not only valid for the time of death, it is also a promise that takes immediate effect for those who are still in the body at the time of Christ’ Appearing.

Peter, James, Paul and John eloquently discuss the fullness of God's Plan of Salvation and with such passion, conviction and reassurance. 

 In the first chapter of 1Peter, Peter teaches his people Salvation in verses 3-4:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,”

But as Peter continues in his explanation, it becomes clear that Salvation also refers to God’s Rescue of all true believers at the time of the Harpazo/Rapture:

Greek/Hebrew Definitions. Strong's #726: harpazo (pronounced har-pad'-zo) from a derivative of 138; to seize (in various applications):--catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force). Thayer's Greek Lexicon: ï"ï.

  Check out verses 5-8; speaking of believers:

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, Receiving the end of your faith---the salvation of your souls.”

Through the examination of this passage, there emerges a clear furtherance of the promise of Salvation; that Christ will appear to Rapture His Bride, we will then be with Him in Heaven instantly, and being with Him in His Physical Presence means there is no longer a need for faith; salvation is complete.

Moreover, verse 6 says we may be grieved by trials if "need be." That implies that the trials we are facing right now, God is allowing for a reason; to get us ready for His Return, so we may be found blameless in His Sight and counted worthy at the time of the Rapture. We must pray He enables us with patience and endurance until His Appearing:

 

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.”

(1Peter 1:17)

It’s interesting that Paul’s first Epistle was to the Thessalonians and that the first 3 chapters are lead-ins to the mind-blowing encouragement he provides regarding Jesus’ Coming to Rapture the Church to safety. His first letter and he chose the Rapture to write about. Paul’s passion for his people led him to address their concerns regarding their relatives who had already passed. He directly addresses the Rapture in chapters 4 and 5.

As for Peter, his words reveal that human life begins with God in Heaven. He called our earthly lives “the time of your stay here.” This affirms that this world is not our home, nor should we think of it as such.

There are more verses like these in the book of James. In chapter 5, James uses skillful exhortation to warn his brethren against imitating those who are worldly:

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain, You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.” (V.7-9)

In conclusion, this study on Salvation has revealed that our God has literally thought of everything. We can trust in Him unto Salvation whether we are found in the body or not at the time of His Coming, as long as we love His Appearing more than this world and worship Him and Him alone.

Furthermore, due to His Promise to never leave us nor forsake us, we know that Jesus will save us from the messes we get ourselves into or others or life itself gets us into, thus, we are saved more times than we even know and realize. This promise is found in several Scriptures, like Deuteronomy 31:8--

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

 

More RAPTURE (Salvation) Promise verses:

“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His Coming.” (1John 2:28)

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1John 3:2)

Currently there is a lot of debate about the validity of the Prayer of Salvation. This is silly, inasmuch as we know God looks at the heart. If one is sincere in saying this prayer and takes it seriously; going on to live their lives for the Lord, then the Salvation Prayer got them going in that direction and it worked out good for them due to their right heart condition.

However, there are those who think that merely saying the prayer is what saves them and rather than learn about the Lord and grow in Him, they forget all about it; they are actually trying to manipulate God by standing on this prayer when it's the furthest thing from their minds. This then, is not salvation.

The Salvation Prayer is only good and useful if you mean what it says and go on to live your life for the Lord--

Lord Jesus I believe You died for me on the Cross and I thank You Lord! I want you to come and live inside of me and stay with me always. I'm so sorry for how I've lived. Please forgive me of all of my sins, Lord. Wash me clean in Your Blood Lord Jesus and help me to live for You from now on.

THE ABC'S of SALVATION is another popular form of prayer when said in prayer before the Lord--

A--Accept that you are in sinner in need of a Savior--Jesus Christ our Lord

B--Believe in Him, live for Him, put your trust in Him.

C--Call on His Name; confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. Commit to living your life for Him....

 

 

 

NKJV