The word "rapture" cannot be found in the Bible.  "Rapture" is a label that Christians give to a spectacular event that will take place.  At the "rapture" all Christians, both those who have died and those who are alive at that time, become indestructible and join Jesus.
     I am very aware that the "rapture" is a subject of great debate among Christians.  Christians often argue over when the "rapture" will take place, which is unfortunate since we often agree on many points but get distracted by unclear definitions of certain words and terms.  Often Christians are unaware that they agree on the "rapture" but actually disagree on a definition of the "tribulation".  (Is the tribulation interpreted to be one event or many years worth of events?)  I will define the tribulation below.  There are three dominant interpretations among Christians; pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, and post-tribulation.  In other words, people believe that the "rapture" will happen before, during, or after the tribulation.
     This topic is not a critical issue!  I am not trying to be argumentative or divisive.  I strongly believe that when the "rapture" happens has no relevance to salvation.  Christians have an unfortunate tendency to polarize and accuse each other of heresy.  I will not state which label I support (pre, mid, or post) since the labels are politically explosive.
     The definition of the "rapture" is as follows:  First, it is an event where God's followers will be changed, in the twinkling of an eye, and made incorruptible and immortal (1 Corinthians 15:50-55).  Second, the "rapture" is the time that God's followers will be gathered together to meet Jesus, and shall be with God forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
     The "tribulation" is a time of trouble such as has not been since the beginning of the creation until this time, nor ever shall be; and unless God shortens those days, no one would survive (Mark 13:19-20).
     The "rapture" will take place three and a half days after the two prophets that are like Elijah and Moses have been killed.  (See an earlier section for a description of these two prophets).  We can know that it will be three and a half days because the Bible says that the two prophets will be "raptured" three and a half days after they die: