Scripture

The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. First the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.

Observation

The Thessalonians don’t need to be taught about loving one another because they already do it.

They should live a quiet productive life. that way, non-Christians will respect the way they live.

The believers who have died will be raised to life. When Jesus returns, those who are dead will rise, and the Christians who are still alive will be caught up to be with the Lord forever.

Application

This passage (vs. 15-17) is often used to justify the erroneous doctrine of the Rapture.

This is not about a snatching up of the Christians prior to the Great Tribulation. No, this is the Resurrection of the Saints. When Jesus returns to the earth, all the Christians – both those wo are dead and those who are alive – will be lifted up to be with Him forever.

This is our hope. Regardless of where we and our loved ones live in the time frame of history, we will live forever in heaven, in the presence of God.

This is a physical resurrection in the same way that Jesus’ resurrection was physical. We will have a new body that is incorruptible and untouched by sickness or death.

What a happy day they will be!

Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus, come. May I be ready to meet with you on that day. Amen