The Transformation in the Rapture of the Church at the Last Trumpet
Bible Study Guide (Proof of the Rapture Series)
Introduction
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 lays the foundation for our hope in the resurrection and the rapture of the church before the Tribulation. Christ was raised as the firstfruits of the resurrection, and because He lives, we too will live. Yet Paul goes further — revealing a mystery: not all will die, but some will be instantly transformed and caught up at the last trumpet. This passage reveals both the certainty of the resurrection and the sudden reality of the rapture of the church.
Understanding the Mystery
When Paul uses the word mystery in verse 51, he is speaking of something once hidden but now revealed. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us.
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)
For generations, the full truth about the resurrection and the rapture of the church before the Tribulation was kept in God’s plan.
The Old Testament gave glimpses of resurrection hope, but the complete picture was unknown until God revealed it through the Holy Spirit in Paul. Now the veil is lifted: not all believers will die, but those alive at Christ’s coming will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. What was once concealed is now revealed — the blessed hope of the rapture of the church.
In his letters to the Thessalonians, Paul also reveals that there will be an order to the rapture. Some will be “caught up” (raptured) first, and others will follow. God is not a random God. He is a God of detail and order. All things have a season and a reason.
This is the fourth of seven proofs. Explore all 7 proofs of the biblical Pretribulation Rapture.
1. Christ the Firstfruits of the Resurrection (Verse 20)
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
- Observation: Christ’s resurrection is not only proof of His power but also the guarantee of ours. He made a way for us back to the Father through the resurrection of the body.
- Application: Just as He rose in a glorified body, so will all who belong to Him — whether by resurrection or rapture.
- Connection: The pretribulation rapture of the church is possible because the same power that raised Jesus will transform His people. The transformation will take place when the body goes from sanctification to glorification at the pretribulation rapture.
2. The Order of the Resurrection (Verse 23)
“But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:23)
- Observation: Paul sets an order: Christ first, then those who belong to Him at His coming. He goes further to explain the order of those believers who belong to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4.
- Application: Believers share in Christ’s victory — His resurrection ensures ours. Our Christian journey begins by God’s justification of heart and its love for Christ. Then we continue on our Christian walk (sanctification) with the Holy Spirit as He leads us to holiness and righteousness. Then comes glorification at the resurrection of the believers in Jesus.
- Connection: The rapture of the church fulfills this sequence: the dead in Christ will rise, then the living and both will be changed (glorified).
3. Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit the Kingdom — the Need for Glorification (Verse 50)
“I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:50)
- Observation: Paul draws a hard line — unglorified, sinful, mortal “flesh and blood” cannot enter the kingdom as it is.
- Theological point: Heaven requires a body fit for its glory. Our present, perishable earthly bodies must be changed into imperishable, immortal bodies — that is glorification. The final step of the Christian journey and our victory in Christ Jesus.
- Why this matters for the rapture of the church: The reality of the rapture is the means by which God provides that glorified state. Whether by resurrection (the dead in Christ) or instantaneous transformation (those alive), God makes our bodies suitable for the kingdom. This is not anything we’re capable of doing for ourselves. It’s all done by the power of God.
- Application: This verse explains why the last trumpet brings such a radical change — God is removing perishable bodies and clothing His people in imperishable glory. We will forever be with Christ in our glorified bodies. We will enter into the new age of the new kingdom of Jesus’ 1000 year reign in our glorified bodies.
7 Biblical Proofs of the Pretribulation Rapture
4. The Mystery of Transformation at the Rapture of the Church (Verses 52-53)
“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. For the perishable must clothed itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51–53)
- Observation: By the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul unveils a “mystery” hidden until now — some will not die but be instantly transformed (glorified).
- The Last Trumpet: This trumpet will only be heard by the believers in Christ Jesus. It will signal the rapture of the church, announcing the moment when the dead are raised and the living are changed.
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3)
- Application: The rapture of the church before the Tribulation will be sudden, unmissable, and glorious — a transformation into immortality. It will occur before the wrath of God falls upon an unbelieving world in the seven year Tribulation.
5. Victory Over Death: Promise of the Rapture (Verses 54-57)
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable… then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’” (1 Corinthians 15:54)
- Observation: Death is not the final word for the believer. Resurrection and rapture alike replace weakness with glory, mortality with immortality.
- Application: The rapture of the church is the completion of our victory over death — secured by Christ through His shed blood on the cross.
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
God made the same promise through His prophet Hosea in the Old Testament.
“I will deliver this people from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death.
Where, O death, are your plagues?
Where, O grave, is your destruction?
“I will have no compassion,” (Hosea 13:14)
6. The Urgent Call to Stand Firm
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- Observation: Paul ends with a charge: since resurrection and rapture are certain, live faithfully. The pretribulation rapture is imminent. Be prepared always for His coming.
- Application: Hope in the rapture of the church isn’t escapism — it motivates holy living, courage, and urgency in our mission. We must not sit around and wait for Christ to return. We must share this news with others so they can share in the joy of Christ’ victory and soon return to gather His church before the worst days the earth will experience in the Tribulation.
Closing Reflection on the Rapture of the Church
The resurrection and the rapture of the church before the Tribulation are inseparable promises. Christ, the firstfruits of the resurrection, has been raised, and those who belong to Him will follow. Some will rise from the grave, others will be be caught up (raptured) will still alive and both will be instantly changed — but together, all will be caught up at the last trumpet. This is the mystery revealed, the hope secured, and the victory assured.
🙏Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank You that because You rose, we too will rise. Thank You for the mystery of the rapture of the church before the wrath that is to come, when the dead will be raised and the living transformed in the twinkling of an eye. Keep us steadfast, immovable, and faithful in Your work until the trumpet sounds. May we live each day in joyful expectation of that glorious moment when death is swallowed up in victory and we are forever with You.
In your glorious name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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