[HeadOn]

1 Thess 4:17 - Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

If I recall correctly, the Greek word translated "caught up" sounds a lot like "rapture", and that's where the term comes from. The event is described there, whether the actual word is used or not.

Lots of Christians disagree on whether the rapture is before, after, or during the tribulation, and some don't hold that it will take place at all. Those are really side issues. I belong to Christ, and if I die before it happens, I'll be with Him. If I don't, I'll get "caught up". Winner either way.

[AD from SpringBay]

You better be careful there, someone could interpret that to mean something close to the rapture.

[Victorious]

Perfect example of taking a scripture out of context.
Read the whole passage and you'll see that Paul is refering to the second coming of Christ. Not a secret hidden coming because there won't be any such thing, but His second coming to the earth at the end of the tribulation.
I disagree that it's a side issue. In reality, it's a life or death issue. A live by the truth in the Word or live in deception issue. Those who believe they are going to be caught up before the tribulation aren't preparing for the hard times coming and they will be caught up in further deception.

[Travis McGee]

Winner either way.

Amen to that.