The Rapture is an eschatological position held by some Christians, particularly those of American evangelicalism, consisting of an end-time event when all dead Christian believers will be resurrected and, joined with Christians who are still alive, will be taken up into heaven to meet Jesus Christ in the air. The idea of a rapture as it is currently defined is not found in historic Christianity, and is a relatively recent doctrine originating from the 1830s. The term "rapture" is derived from the Latin translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which translates the Greek harpazo (to catch up or carry away) as rapiemur from the Latin rapio.

There are different interpretations of the Rapture among Christians. Some believe that the Rapture will be secret, and that it will be unknown to the world of unbelievers at the time of its happening. Others believe that the Rapture will not be secret, and that it will be part of Christ’s visible and triumphant return to end this present evil age.

The purpose of the Rapture is to spare Christ’s own from the horrors of the Tribulation according to Revelation 3:10. The Tribulation is a period of seven years of great suffering and turmoil on earth that will follow the Rapture.

It is important to note that the idea of the Rapture is not supported by all Christians, and that there are many different interpretations of the events that will occur at the end of the world.