THE JEWISH WEDDING AND THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH
The word “Rapture” is derived from the Latin word “Rapturo”, which is translated from the Greek word “Harpazo”. English translates this word as “Caught Up”. The meaning is to seize upon, carry off by force, quickly remove, taken by force, pluck from, and snatch away.
In ancient Hebrew culture, marriage was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that symbolized the union between a man and woman. This ancient tradition parallels the relationship between Jesus, the Church, and the Rapture.
- The Groom Leaves His Father’s House Luke 1:35, John 1:14
The groom would leave his father’s house to find a bride, symbolizing Jesus’ incarnation, leaving heaven to come to earth. “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee…” (Luke 1:35)
- The Price is Paid 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The groom or his father would pay a price for the bride, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice for the Church. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- The Marriage Covenant 2 Corinthians 11:2
A marriage covenant was created between the groom and bride, symbolizing the New Covenant between Jesus and the Church. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
- The Groom Returns to His Father’s House John 14:2-3
The groom would return to his father’s house to prepare a place for his bride, symbolizing Jesus’ ascension to heaven to prepare a place for the Church. “I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:2-3)
- The Bride’s Preparation Ephesians 5:25-27
The bride would prepare herself for the wedding, often with the help of her friends and family. Similarly, the Church is called to prepare herself for the Bridegroom’s return, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
- The Groom’s Arrival 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
When the groom’s preparations were complete, he would come for his bride, often at midnight, with a shout and the sound of the shofar (trumpet). This parallels the Rapture, where Jesus will return for His bride, the Church.
- The Wedding Feast Revelation 19:7-9
After the groom and bride were united, they would celebrate with a grand feast, often lasting for days. Similarly, we see in Revelation, “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…” (Revelation 19:7-9)