Bible Studies

THE RAPTURE Part Nine IN THE BODY OR IN THE SPIRIT

by Jeff Van Hatten
04/28/22
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

The Rapture People
Scripture has a lot to say about the Rapture, and about the people who have already been raptured. There are two types of rapture: 1) Bodily Rapture, and 2) Spiritual Rapture.

People Taken In The Body
In every case those who have already been raptured In the Body have three things in common: Advance Notice, Witnesses, and Horses. Other phenomenon may include whirlwinds and chariots of fire.

● Advance Notice The person being raptured knows he will be. Enoch had a full year of advance notice (Enoch 81:5-6). Elijah and two schools of prophets knew the day of his departure (2 Kings 2:3-5). Moses and Elijah spoke to Yeshua about his departure prior to his going to Jerusalem to be crucified (Luke 9:30-31).

● Witnesses Other people are present who see them being raptured. Enoch was in the presence of his children and the King’s men when he was raptured (Enoch 81:5-6 and Jasher 3:34). Elijah was in the presence of Elisha and fifty of the sons of the prophets when he was raptured (2 Kings 2:7). Yeshua was in the presence of the apostles, and perhaps others when he was raptured (Acts 1:10-11).

● Horses are always present, and often chariots of fire. Enoch was raptured into heaven with both horses and chariots of fire (Jasher 3:36). Elijah was also raptured into heaven with both horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Yeshua rose riding upon his white horse (Acts 1:10-11 and Revelation 19:11).

Whirlwinds are often present. Both Enoch and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Scripture, however, gives no indication if a whirlwind was present at Yeshua’s rapture.

In other words, Enoch, Elijah, and Yeshua were all raptured In the Body to Heaven and into Yahweh’s presence.

Other Individuals - Human or Not
The Holy Ones (Matthew 27:50-53)
We can make an assumption that the Holy Ones were very likely part of the Firstfruits offering to Yahweh (1 Corinthians 15:22-23), the captivity Yeshua led captive when he ascended (Ephesians 4:8-10). It is impossible, however, to categorically state the status of the Holy Ones, as neither historical records nor the Bible tells us specifically that they have been raptured!

The Two Witnesses of Revelation (Revelation 11:3-12)
The Two Witnesses of Revelation will also be witnessed when they are raptured, but we are not told if they have advance notice nor the method of transportation used to take them to Heaven. These two individuals may not even be humans who have lived on earth. If interested, this article details why I say they ain't even human: https://raptureparty.net/2020/12/24/revelations-two-witnesses-revisited/

People Taken In The Spirit
Many Older Covenant Examples
Many of the Older Covenant prophets saw visions of Yahweh and the Heavenly Throne Room. Micaiah the son of Imlah saw Yahweh “sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him” (1 Kings 22:19 and 2 Chronicles 18:18). Isaiah saw Yahweh “sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple” (Isaiah 6:1). Ezekiel saw visions of Yahweh in his throne room (Ezekiel 1:1, 1:26, and 10:1-4). Daniel also saw Yahweh upon his throne (Daniel 7:9-10).

Two Newer Covenant Examples
Revelation 4:2 – “Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne.”
There are two people of the Newer Covenant who also saw visions of Yahweh and the Heavenly Throne Room. Most know that the Apostle John was taken to heaven, and scripture clearly tells us that he was raptured In the Spirit. Most also know that the disciple Stephen saw heaven open and Yeshua standing at the right hand of Yahweh (Acts 7:55-56). Again, no bodily rapture, just a rapture In the Spirit.

A Third Newer Covenant Example
2 Corinthians 12:2 – “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.”
But what about Paul? Was he raptured In the Body or In the Spirit? Scripture indicates no advance notice. Scripture indicates no presence of horses or chariots of fire. Scripture indicates no presence of witnesses. Therefore, it is safe to declare that Paul, like many, was only raptured In the Spirit, not In the Body.

In other words, both the many Older Covenant prophets and the three Newer Covenant disciples or apostles were raptured In the Spirit to Heaven and into Yahweh’s presence.

Conclusions
Enoch was the first to be raptured In the Body, and that event set the pattern for all future bodily raptures in scripture – all involve advance notice, witnesses, and horses. Several involve whirlwinds, and chariots of fire, but not all. Many have been raptured In the Spirit. It is safe to declare that when there is no presence of witnesses who see a bodily rapture, horses, chariots of fire, or whirlwinds, then it is only a rapture In the Spirit.

Final Thought
We are always to be ready for Yeshua to return. Are you ready? If not, then get ready. Exercise whatever time you have to repent and trust Yeshua for your eternal salvation. Do not test Yahweh’s patience and wait too long – the dress rehearsals will not continue much longer.