“This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
We have been studying the Book of Acts. According to Luke, in Acts of the Apostles, after Jesus’ final lesson to his disciples, he was taken up into heaven.
Today’s Bible reference is, Acts 1:10-11.
Even though the word “rapture” is not in the Bible, its concept is present. Nevertheless, many who oppose it do so mainly on the merit of the opening verse of Scripture above and the ones immediately below.
“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel” (Acts 1:10).
The opposition claims that Jesus was seen as he was taken up into heaven. True! Therefore, they say, everyone is going to see him as he returns.
But, did everyone see him leave? No!
But, with that line of reasoning, they discount and dismiss the rapture.
Every Eye Shall See This Same Jesus
They also forward the following verse of Scripture to support their claim.
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Revelation 1:7).
But, unknown to them, this latter Scripture has nothing to do with the “rapture”. There is no connection.
He Is Coming Again!
It refers to the Second Advent of Him, which follows the snatching away!
Additionally, the return of Christ for His Church is not one of sadness or “wailing”, but joy and gladness. The hope of eternal life with him.
The “rapture” is different from the Second Coming of Christ. What started as the former will end as the latter. Different!
Therefore, without any doubt, the “like manner” of Jesus’ departure will be identical to his return. This same Jesus will return.
But who will see him?
Conclusion
Who witnessed the departure of Jesus Christ into heaven? It definitely wasn’t the entire Jerusalem. Only the eleven apostles saw him leave.
If his departure is similar to his return, who will see Him return? Those are the people who will experience the rapture.
The emphasis is on this same Jesus; his departure and his return. The focus is not on his supporters but on him. As a matter of fact, it’s on the manner of his departure and return.
This Same Jesus Will Return In Like Manner
Therefore, the two angels were stating, that this same Jesus who you see leave today, he will return in a similar manner someday.
The rapture of Jesus was executed quietly and quickly. Similarly, for Believers, he shall return quietly and quickly to snatch us from the earth.
It’s then, that all eyes shall see him. They shall see Him on his return. They will not be there when He comes for Believers.
Finally, the rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are two separate events. However, this same Jesus is in both.
Leroy A. Daley is an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Bible teacher. Globally, he's helped hundreds of Christians understand the Bible better. He has been studying and teaching the Bible for more than forty years. He is passionate about the Lord and spends quality time with the Word of God every day.
His Books are available for purchase wherever books are sold.
