What Happens After the Rapture?

Two significant events will take place in Heaven after the rapture of believers:

• The Judgment Seat of Christ
• The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

These two events will precede our return to earth with the Lord in the Second Coming of Christ. If you are a believer, you will be present at both.

After the Lord descends from Heaven with a shout, and we are caught up to meet our departed, believing loved ones in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), what happens next?

We will receive a new, resurrection body.

We will need new bodies for a new place: Heaven. Our earthly bodies are suited for this earthly environment. Our resurrection bodies will be suited for the heavenly environment. Paul explained this unique transformation:

“Our earthly bodies, which die and decay, will be different when they are resurrected, for they will never die. Our bodies now disappoint us, but when they are raised, they will be full of glory. They are weak now, but when they are raised, they will be full of power” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43 NLT).

If we have been faithful, we will be rewarded.

Many of us have acquired the great awards this world has to offer over the years—trophies, blue ribbons, plaques, etc. In Heaven, however, people will be rewarded for their faithfulness to God over the years. Even the smallest and most insignificant action done on behalf of God’s kingdom will not be overlooked by our Heavenly Father.

Jesus promises, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:4; see also Matthew 6:6, 18). This reward will be given to you as we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.