If we are going to prepare for the rapture, we need to make sure we have an understanding exactly what it is. The word rapture is a summary of the events that are recorded in such places as is First Thessalonians 4:13-18. To cite this Scripture is to make an assumption that readers value what the Bible has to say. For those who discount the Bible, they will remain left to their own understanding of what will happen as the End Times begins. According to this text, those who have known Christ whether dead or alive will be caught up in the air to meet him.
That means this text is offered for those who know Jesus as Savior. They see him as the Son of God who was born from a virgin, lived a sinless life, died vicariously on the cross as a substitute for all of us for our sins, rose again on the third day, and after forty days, ascended into heaven to be at the right hand of the Heavenly Father. Head knowledge is insufficient because it must be through faith to recognize the identity of Jesus Christ as the coming Lord.
We have now defined the word rapture. We have defined the identity of those who will participate in the rapture. Now comes the answer for how to prepare for the rapture.
Avoid following those who say they can predict the time Jesus will return. They are false prophets. Even Jesus said that only his Heavenly Father knew the exact time when he would return to fetch his followers.
Avoid those who propagate false doctrines as part of a cult. They do not recognize the Bible as the final word of God. Instead, they claim that there is another book in addition to the Bible that must be accepted as if from God. We know this because at the end of the book of Revelation those who add or subtract from Scripture are cursed.
Rely on the saving work of Jesus not on your good works. We are to do our best to serve God in a holy manner. But there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. There is nothing we can do to merit God’s grace. Good works comes after salvation. It does not generate salvation. Daily confess your sins to the Lord assuring your soul will be prepared in the most magnificent way to meet him.
Understand that the events of the world will evolve toward the appearance of the Antichrist after Jesus causes the rapture of his own. Technology will increase. International politics will seek a new world order. It is important for your peace of mind that you do not become distraught over these developing events. See them in the light of fulfillment that the Bible has declared.
Train your spirit to trust God more than you had yesterday. By trusting God, you will increase your faith. You will also glorify God as you point to him who is the only one that has the answers, as the only one who oversee the details of your life. When the events of the world and the temptations of Satan come at you, rebuff them from the words of the Bible because of your trust in the Almighty.
Likely, you will grieve for those who have been Christians and passed away. Combine your trust with the knowledge that the person who left their body has gone to be in a heavenly place. Grieve as you must but dilute that grief with the promises of God.
Set aside the enticements and involvement with the world by putting the good things of this life in perspective. God has allowed us to experience whatever good and happiness we experience. What is good on this earth is a minor blessing compared to what will happen after the Rapture. Do not cling to what you would like your life to be. No joy that you expect could ever equal what it will be like in the presence of Jesus.
Note that however you meet Christ whether it be through death, or the rapture it will be a door to heavenly bliss. Fear not death. Should pain from an illness escort you from this earth rely on the Holy Spirit for his comfort. Many believers say they are not afraid of death that are afraid of the pain that will precede death. If that becomes your situation, let God guide you through those moments. Jesus said he would never leave us nor forsake us and that means in the worst times.
Consider the Rapture as the most important thing that will happen in your life and the life to come. Look toward the Rapture with anticipation and excitement for your body will be changed in the time it would take a light ray to bounce off the iris of your eye.
Stay firm in your convictions about the meaning of the Scripture. Say, “Even so, Lord, come quickly.”
Christian Writer 