The bible never mentions the word rapture. But many verses in the bible point to this event. Rapture is a state or experience of being carried away.
God’s Punishment
In Nehemiah chapter 4 the Jewish leader and the people want to rebuild the wall and the gates of Jerusalem. Sanballat heard of the rebuilding and was enraged and angry. He ridiculed the Jews. God’s punishment is not far off.
Communicating with mankind
Jerusalem and the temple were God’s avenue of communicating His will and word to all of mankind. Today His means of communicating is through the life, words, and death of His son Jesus Christ.
God’s punishment required
When God is pushed to the limit it is important to realize that punishment is required. This happens when the sin of man so violates the honor of God that chastisement is initiated. We see this truth in the words of His servant Nehemiah in chapter 4:4-5. [And Nehemiah prayed] Hear, O God, how we are despised! Return their taunts on their own heads. Give them up as prey in a land of captivity. Do not forgive their wrongdoing and do not let their sin be wiped out before You, for they have offended the builders [and provoked You].
Sometimes we push the Lord too far and chastisement is required. This is not to be confused with refinement. The Lord often allows difficult circumstances in a believers life to bring refinement. The circumstances are meant to bring the believer closer in his or her relationship with the Lord.
Chastisement vs Refinement
The King of Assyria came against Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles chapter 32. This could be viewed as a form of chastisement. In 2 Chronicles 32:21 the Lord sent an angel who cut off the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria.
This turned out to be a blessing. What may have appeared to be chastisement with the attack of the Assyrian king was actually a testing and refinement which led to blessing and sanctification!
If we are experiencing difficult circumstances, it could very well be a refinement exercise as opposed to chastisement for wrong doing. We must faith and push through and draw close to Jesus. Seek His presence, His help, His peace, love, joy, comfort, strength, healing, deliverance.
If we are being chastised, we must identify the wrong doing, repent and ask for the Lord’s forgiveness.