Podcast Summary: Mysteries in the Bible – The Rapture

Podcast: Cornerstone Chapel - Audio Podcast
Episode: Mysteries in the Bible: The Rapture
Date: October 15, 2025
Host/Speaker: (Speaker “A”) from Cornerstone Chapel

Overview: Main Theme and Purpose

This episode launches a short series on “Mysteries in the Bible,” focusing on the Rapture—a biblical event rooted especially in Paul’s writings. The speaker systematically explores what the Bible means by the term “mystery,” with special attention to the doctrine of the Rapture. Listeners are guided through foundational passages, definitions, biblical language, classic debates, and the practical application of expecting Christ’s return.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Biblical ‘Mystery’ Defined

• Greek Meaning:
  • The term “mystery” in the Bible (Greek: musterion) means “something hidden but now revealed” (01:50–03:00).
  • Not like a detective novel; these are truths God kept hidden in the past, now revealed, especially in the New Testament.
• Notable Quote:
  “What mysteries are found in the Bible are very fascinating. But again, we got to get that vocabulary out of our head: like, oh, these are clues we got to find. No, that’s not exactly the word Paul uses. ... In the Bible, a mystery is something previously hidden, now revealed.” —A (03:15)

2. Examples of Biblical Mysteries

• The speaker lists six significant biblical “mysteries”:
  • Israel’s partial blindness (Romans 11:25)
  • God’s will concerning Christ (Ephesians 1:9)
  • Christ and the Church (Ephesians 3, Colossians 1–2)
  • The Rapture (main focus tonight)
  • The mystery of lawlessness (the Antichrist; teaser for next week)
  • The mystery of Babylon the Great (Revelation 17) (04:40–07:20)

3. What Is the Rapture?

• Definition:
  • The Rapture is an event in which the Church is caught up, snatched away (Greek harpazo, Latin raptus) to meet Christ in the air (09:15).
  • The term “Rapture” is rooted in Greek and Latin—not simply found in English translations (10:30).
• Scriptural Foundation:
  • 1 Corinthians 15:50–58
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (Paraphrased; 13:30)
  • Acts 8 (Philip “snatched away” after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch; a form of “rapture”) (11:10)

4. Who Experiences the Rapture?

• All believers in Jesus Christ from Pentecost to the present day.
  • Dead in Christ will rise first, followed instantly by living believers (17:00–19:00).
  • Not Old Testament saints; this is a Church-specific event.
• Notable Exception:
  • Non-believers are not included.
• Memorable Moment (on what people will see):
  “Are we going to have our clothes with us when we go up? I don’t know. Probably not. ... The ‘Left Behind’ series made it seem like they went up naked because their clothes were left behind. ... How we’re going to go and what it’s going to look like, I don’t know. I just know we’re going to go, and when we go, it’s going to be awesome.” —A (21:00)

5. How Will It Happen?

• Instantaneous:
  • Happens “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52; atomos = indivisible, split-second; 24:00).
• Supernatural transformation:
  • Believers are given glorified, immortal bodies instantly.
• Possible Reactions:
  • The world will experience chaos; some will realize they missed the Rapture, leading to conversions during the Tribulation (25:40).

6. When Will It Happen?

• Unknown:
  “No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” — quoting Jesus, Matthew 24:36 (28:00)
• Warning Against Date-Setting:
  • The speaker debunks viral social media date predictions (e.g., TikTok rumors about September 25; 29:40).
  • Memorable Quote:
    “I don’t like date setters. ... Jesus said, ‘No one knows, not even the angels, only the Father.’ So it is unknown.” —A (30:10)
• Timing Relative to the Tribulation:
  • The speaker advocates a “pre-Tribulation” Rapture (before the seven-year Tribulation), while acknowledging mid- and post-Tribulation views exist in the broader church (38:30).
  • There may be a gap between the Rapture and the start of the Tribulation; could be days, months, or years (34:10).

7. Why the Rapture?

• Christ rescues His bride from the coming wrath:
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 5:9: Believers are “not destined for wrath.”
  • The Rapture removes believers before God pours out judgment upon an unbelieving world (42:15).
• Analogy:
  • The speaker quotes Dr. Ed Hindson:
    “Jesus is not going to beat up his bride and then say, ‘Alright, come up with me into heaven.’ … He says, ‘I'm going to take you, I’m going to rescue you from this evil age, from this world, and you’re not going to experience God’s wrath.’” (44:20)

Practical Application: What Should We Do Now?

(46:10–End)

From 1 Thessalonians 5, believers are challenged to:

• Be on guard (“watch your hearts and minds”)
• Stay alert: Don’t become spiritually lazy.
• Be clear-headed (“sober-minded”)
• Put on the armor of God: Be ready for spiritual challenges.
• Encourage and edify each other:
  • “These are encouraging words. Why would Paul say encourage each other with these words? Oh, by the way, you’re going to go through the whole tribulation. That doesn’t make sense to me.” —A (48:40)
• Persist in hope: Even as Christ’s return is delayed, keep faith strong and help others remain steady (citing Peter’s warning about scoffers).

Closing Scripture Read Aloud (1 Thessalonians 5):
“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way. ... May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. Amen.” —A (50:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I love mysteries. ... In the Bible, that term ‘mystery’ ... is not exactly what we think of when we say mystery in our English vocabulary. ... In the Greek ... it’s really something hidden but now revealed.” (03:00)
• “The word ‘rapture’ is not found in the Bible. Well, okay, it is in there, but it’s not just there in English.” (10:30)
• “Are we going to have our clothes with us when we go up? I don’t know. ... How we’re going to go and what it’s going to look like, I don’t know. I just know we’re going to go, and when we go, it’s going to be awesome.” (21:00)
• On setting dates for the Rapture:
  “I don’t like date setters. There’s been many date setters... 88 Reasons Why Jesus Coming Back in 1988. Then ... 89.” (30:15)
• “If you’re not pre-Trib, you’re wrong. But it’s okay. I’m just kidding. I’m kidding.” (41:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Definition and biblical use of ‘mystery’ | 02:00–04:00 | | Six New Testament mysteries | 05:15–07:15 | | What is the Rapture? (terms, verses) | 09:15–13:30 | | Examples of being “caught up” (Philip) | 11:10–12:30 | | Who experiences the Rapture? | 17:00–21:30 | | How does the Rapture happen? | 24:00–25:45 | | Will there be visible chaos? Tribulation conversions | 25:40–27:00 | | When does the Rapture occur? (and warnings) | 28:00–34:00 | | Rapture and Tribulation timeline (pre/mid/post-Trib) | 38:30–41:30 | | Why does the Rapture happen? | 42:15–44:40 | | Application: Living in light of the Rapture | 46:10–49:30 | | Closing biblical benediction | 50:10–51:10 |

Summary Flow & Tone

The teaching is thorough, approachable, and sprinkled with humor and practical illustrations (from Hallmark movies to “Left Behind” series to “Santa Claus” movie references). The speaker blends careful biblical exposition with personal anecdotes and clear warnings against speculative or sensationalist approaches to prophecy, urging listeners to focus on holy living and mutual encouragement as they await Christ’s return.