Discovering the Biblical Foreshadows of Being Caught Up in the Rapture
Bible Study Guide (Proof of the Rapture Series)
Introduction
These passages provide a first peek and a glimpse behind the curtain of the doctrine of the rapture. The rapture is not just some theology based on a few Bible verses. It’s much more than that. The Old Testament, among many things, has served to foretell the coming of events in the last days. The raptures of Enoch and Elijah, along with the sudden removal of Philip, serve this same purpose.
The teaching of being “caught up” in the rapture is tightly woven into Scripture. It is present from Genesis all the way to Revelation. As one continuous revelation, it unveils the truth behind the pretribulation rapture. Thus, it affirms the firm foundation of its biblical certainty.
These three biblical occurrences represent the foundation for the promise of being “caught up.” Raptured before the dreadful day of the Lord in the last days.
1. Enoch: The Faithful Caught Up in the Rapture of His Day
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Genesis 5:24)
- Observation: Enoch lived in a corrupt generation, yet his close walk with God set him apart. Without facing death, he was suddenly taken into God’s presence. For the first time, God gives us a glimpse of the rapture (caught up).
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
- Foreshadowing: Enoch’s translation is a picture of believers who will one day be caught up in the rapture before judgment falls on the world. Just as Enoch was removed before the Flood, the church (believers in Christ) will be removed before the Tribulation. This period is seven years of God’s wrath upon the earth.
- Application: The call to “walk faithfully with God” remains the same. Those who live closely with Him will be ready when He comes.
Rapture vs. Second Coming of Christ (Comparison Chart)
2. Elijah: A Fiery Witness Caught Up in the Rapture of Glory
“Suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” (2 Kings 2:11)
- Observation: Elijah’s departure was dramatic and witnessed by Elisha, proving God’s power to remove His servant in an instant. Moses and Elijah both appeared at Jesus’ transfiguration. Moses represents the messenger of the Old Covenant. Christ represented the New Covenant. Elijah represented those who would be raptured believing in Christ.
“Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:40)
“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.” (Luke 17:34)
- Foreshadowing: Elijah’s being caught up in the rapture-like event of his day points to the sudden, supernatural removal of the church. This will occur at Christ’s return.
- Application: Just as Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle to continue God’s mission, so must the church carry on the work of the gospel until the final trumpet sounds.
3. Philip: A New Testament Glimpse of Being Caught Up in the Rapture
“When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39)
- Observation: Though Philip was not permanently taken to heaven, he was instantly removed from one place and set down in another.
- Foreshadowing: Philip’s sudden removal previews the way believers will be caught up in the rapture. They will be transported instantly into the presence of Christ.
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- Application: The eunuch went on rejoicing after Philip’s disappearance. In the same way, when the church is caught up in the rapture, joy eternal will overflow as we meet our Savior face-to-face. How dreadful it will be in those days when the wrath of God comes upon the inhabitants of the earth.
Closing Reflection
From Enoch, to Elijah, to Philip, Scripture consistently shows that God has the power and plan to suddenly take His people. These real events are not just history — they are foreshadowings of the pretribulation rapture. During this event, every believer will be caught up in the rapture to meet Christ in the air.
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The question is not whether it will happen, but whether we are ready for that moment.
🙏Prayer for Faith and Readiness
Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise that one day we will be caught up in the rapture to be with You forever. Help us to walk faithfully like Enoch and serve boldly like Elijah. Let us rejoice in Your presence like the eunuch. Keep our hearts watchful, our lives holy, and our hope burning bright as we await Your soon return. In Your precious name, Amen.