E. The Event of the Rapture.

E. The Event of the Rapture.
This is the same as Paul had previously spoken about in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 concerning the Rapture.
 “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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Paul gives the principles of the Rapture; whereas, in 2 Thessalonians, Chapter 2, he gives the procedure concerning the Rapture, which is pre-tribulation.
May we make a few more observations which lead us to conclude that the word, “apostasia,” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is speaking of the Church departing from the Earth, raptured to meet her Savior in the clouds; and not a departure from the faith.
Notice in 2 Thessalonians 2:7,
“For the mystery of iniquity doth ALREADY WORK.”
Paul states that apostasy from the faith was already present.
1. Hymenaeus and Alexander were two of them. (1 Timothy 1:19-20).
2. There were false teachers of the law. (1 Timothy 1:4-7). 
3. False teachings concerning the Resurrection. (2 Timothy 2:16-18).
4. Read Jude; 1 John 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3.
...and we could go on and on.
In other words, from the time of the offspring of Adam and Eve, there has always been apostasy from the faith. To what do we attribute the Flood? In Israel there were the false prophets and priests. It was the same at the time of Christ and ever since, to the present. Therefore, it would be ludicrous to think that “apostasia” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 was in reference to “apostasy from the faith;” when there has never been a time when apostasy has not been with us.
Therefore, how would the Thessalonians recognize any apostasy different from the apostasy that already existed and that has always existed in one way or another? From the context, itself, we know the “apostasia” in Verse 3 is not in reference to departure from the faith, already existent; but, rather, a departure of the Church from the world, or the Rapture. Apostasy already existed as stated in Verse 7,
“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work…”
We have the same false teachers today, advocating a Partial or a Post-Tribulation Rapture, as those believers in Thessalonica encountered over 1900 years ago. As we have stated previously, the Christian is admonished to be...
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13)
...NOT, “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Tribulation Period; i.e. the Day of God’s Wrath!
A final note. Many are not aware that the Roman Catholic Church does not believe in the Rapture. Also, the Evangelistic Lutheran Churches of America (ELCA); the Missouri Synod Lutherans and the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod deny four basic prophetic doctrines: 
1. They deny the Rapture,
2. They do not believe in the Restoration of the Nation of Israel,
3. They deny the literal reign of Christ in his earthly Kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years.
4. Both organizations deny that faith in Jesus Christ and His payment for the sins of all mankind is not completely sufficient for the receiving eternal life. Christ’s last words on the Cross in John 19:30 were, “IT IS FINISHED. “Finished” is the Greek “teleo” and means “to bring to an end.” It is in the perfect tense, meaning that nothing can be added to it.
And, both organizations will tell you that Christ paid for our sins, thus, our salvation; BUT, Christ will not give you His salvation until you are baptized. I will let each organization speak for themselves.
First, I will quote from the official document of the Catholic organization, their Catechism. This is found on Page 312, # 1213. “Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God…Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
Second, Luther states in his Small Catechism, Page 16, and II. “What does Baptism give or profit? It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the Devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this…”
How did they come to these conclusions in denying major portions of the Word of God? Very simple. Their teachings were founded by a man named Martin Luther, who has been dead over 460 years! (Luther, 1483-1546). Maybe they are not familiar with the middle verse of the Bible, Psalms 118:8,
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”