How Should I Plan for the Rapture?

Answers to common questions about preparing for the Lord's return

When I speak or teach about the end times, one category of question I get on a regular basis is this: How should I prepare for the Rapture?

Beyond the spiritual component of that question—making sure you have a relationship with Jesus and have accepted His gift of salvation—these questions are often about more practical matters:

• Should I even save for retirement?

• Should I stockpile food or emergency supplies?

• Should I leave Bibles around the house or a note for people “left behind”?

I want to use this article to address some of those questions.

Should I save for retirement?

This one is easy. YES. A number of young people who are just starting out in the workforce have questioned whether, in light of the Second Coming, any type of retirement savings is wise. Why plan for retirement 30 years in the future if you think the Rapture will happen before then?

I don’t get asked for financial planning advice very often, and I’m definitely not qualified to give that kind of advice. But I will tell you how I answer those who ask me about retirement savings or any financial decision-making.

Hope for Christ’s return, but do the right thing today.

Instead of hunkering down and praying for the apocalypse, just continue to make wise financial decisions for today. If you can buy a house, then buy a house. Save for retirement. Get married and have children. Start a college savings plan for your kids. Get a college degree.

Live as if you will experience a full life on earth, and live that life to the honor and glory of God. At the same time, maintain an awareness that the Day of the Lord may arrive at any moment, like a thief in the night.

Should I stockpile supplies?

This question typically comes from people who may not fully understand what the Bible teaches. These Christians worry that they will have to go through the Tribulation. I have written in the past that there are many reasons Bible prophecy indicates we will be raptured before the Tribulation.

For instance, in Luke 17:26-30, Jesus says it will be business as usual on the earth when He returns to rapture His Church. That means we won’t be living in an apocalyptic wasteland when this happens. That entire passage would make no sense if the Rapture took place during the Tribulation or at the end of the Tribulation.

So I don’t believe Christians need to be “preppers.” If a secular person wants to prepare for war or natural disaster, that’s their choice. But I don’t think any bunker or collection of freeze-dried food will be able to withstand God’s judgment.

That said, I do believe it’s smart to plan ahead for potential problems, whether it’s a pandemic (think of the grocery shortages in April 2020) or a major power outage or even impending war. Some people live in places prone to earthquakes or hurricanes or major winter storms. Disaster prep is a great idea.

It’s good to think about what has happened in world history and whether they might happen again today. Having a supply of food, water and basic first aid equipment is wise. But I don’t think you need to stockpile weapons or gas masks.

Should I leave notes at my house or workplace?

I like this kind of thinking. These are folks who worry about what will happen after the Rapture. What if they don’t show up for work? What if a relative can’t find them? These are the kinds of people who put the signs on their cars that say, “In case of rapture, this car will be unmanned.”

Those signs are a little jokey, but I respect those who are very clearly thinking of others. That’s a sign of Christian love. I’ve heard from friends who have left Bibles in easily accessible places, with notes inside pointing to verses about the Rapture or about salvation. I’ve heard of people leaving notes in their pantry that say the equivalent of “feel free to use my food” if the Rapture has happened.

And, of course, I’ve written a book that is especially designed for that scenario. Where Are the Missing People? is for those remaining on earth after the Rapture. It explains what has happened. It explains Bible prophecy about the Antichrist and what will happen during the Tribulation. Most importantly, this book points them to Jesus.

I envision subscribers like you buying multiple copies of Where Are the Missing People? to leave on your desk at work, in your car, on a workbench in your garage, or on your coffee table—anywhere someone might encounter it after the Rapture.

You can buy those physical copies on Amazon or at the XO Marriage Store. The XO Marriage Store even offers discounts for bulk purchases (starting with quantities of 5 or more).

How else can I be Rapture ready?

Again, the best way to prepare for the Rapture is to hope for Christ’s return but do the right thing today. That means continue to attend church, invest in the Kingdom, and live for Christ. Love people and be merciful for those who are hurting and in need. Care for the vulnerable—feed the hungry and care for the sick, like Jesus said in Matthew 25.

Also, pray for Israel and bless the Jewish people.

Most importantly, tell others about Jesus. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations.” I can’t think of any better way to prepare for the Rapture than to work as hard as you can to make sure our friends and family join you in the Rapture. Talk to them about Jesus. Live as an example of Jesus. Invite them into a personal relationship with Jesus.

The best way to prepare for the Rapture is to imagine that moment in the future. How will you feel? When it happens, you won’t likely care about how much money you saved or how many gallons of water you stored in your basement.

But you might regret having never told your colleague about the Good News of Jesus.

You might regret having failed to care for a person who needed help.

You might regret spending more time at work or at the golf course than with your family.

So live a life with no regrets today. That way, when the trumpet sounds, you will be found faithful.