It Starts Small

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-10

What is the point of teaching about the rapture?

Some people dismiss the significance of learning about prophecies. They believe that future events are detached from our present lives. They might argue that what lies ahead is inconsequential. But consider this. If I revealed to you that you had cancer and faced death without treatment, would you ignore it because it’s the future? Absolutely not! You would seek treatment with urgency, determined to confront whatever the future holds. This is exactly why we must engage with these prophecies with fervor! Here are four compelling reasons to explore this pivotal event.

Paul believed it was profoundly essential to impart his teachings. Despite being a whirlwind of activity, he dedicated precious time to compose letters to the churches. He knew every word carried weight. Each word had to be painstakingly penned and delivered by hand. Paul meticulously included only the most crucial information. We must not remain in ignorance! Paul passionately shares this urgency as a key reason for revealing the imminent rapture. Embracing knowledge and wisdom is not just a worthy pursuit. It is vital. This is especially true when that pursuit revolves around the very core of believers’ faith and hope.

So that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. Paul’s powerful teaching in this passage ignites within believers a profound hope. It illuminates the truth that death is merely a doorway, leading us to a vast, beautiful expanse that awaits us. It reveals the incredible significance of life itself. This message envelops us in comfort as we courageously face the future. It also brings solace to our hearts when beloved fellow believers depart from this world.

We must recognize the urgency of being prepared! If we know that this monumental event is approaching, we owe it to ourselves to be ready. We must confront it head-on. In many scenarios, preparedness is not just a luxury; it is truly the lifeline between existence and oblivion. Take the US Midwest, where tornadoes strike with alarming speed and often little warning. These monstrous forces can effortlessly lift homes and colossal trucks. They toss them hundreds, if not thousands, of meters in a heartbeat. Many have chosen to safeguard their futures by securing cellars or basements within their homes. When a tornado warning blares or the skies turn ominous, they retreat to their sanctuaries below. Countless lives have been preserved because of this prudent choice. Imagine facing the unknown. What would you do if the electrical grid failed? What if pure water disappeared from your city? Or if flames engulfed your surroundings? Being prepared can make all the difference! These harrowing events may or may not occur, but thanks to Paul’s teachings, we understand that the rapture is imminent. Let us dive deep into these revelations. We will learn how this transformative event will unfold. We arm ourselves with knowledge. By doing so, we can meet it boldly without a single regret!

In verse 14, God will joyously bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep in Jesus! How can we be so sure? Because Jesus has already triumphed over death, rising anew from the grave with unmatched power! This glorious resurrection is a testament to His dominion over death. It assures us that all who put their faith in Jesus will be granted eternal life, even in the face of death. (See also 1 Corinthians 15)

Those who have fallen asleep.

This term, as spoken by Jesus in Luke 8:52, powerfully illustrates that death is merely a temporary state. Jehovah’s Witnesses may interpret this and similar verses in a particular way. They suggest that believers who pass away are literally sleeping until some future resurrection. However, many scriptures contradict this notion. They affirm that a believer’s soul instantly ascends to be with Jesus upon death. ( see 2 Corinthians 5:8, Luke 23:43). The exact destination remains somewhat ambiguous. It could be heaven or a serene paradise awaiting place. One truth shines brightly: the souls of the faithful will be united with God immediately after they take their last breath.

God will bring with Him a glorious promise! I am convinced that this “Him” refers to our Savior, Jesus. When the time comes for His magnificent return, God will gather these faithful believers alongside Jesus. He will unite them with the rest of His beloved church. This will be an unparalleled celebration of faith and love!

In verse 15, we discover a profound declaration. It is stirring. We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord! This electrifying statement unveils the truth. Jesus possesses a magnificent vision that goes far beyond the mundane notion of simply waiting for all to pass. He has not abandoned our world. He is not watching from afar while awaiting an apocalyptic event to purge the earth. No, He harbors an extraordinary plan that is on the horizon, and the promise echoes powerfully—He will return for us! The early church fervently believed that this glorious return would occur in their lifetimes. Indeed, believers from every generation since have held this fervent conviction deep in their hearts. Yet, though we wait, it has not manifested—yet!

This has led many skeptics to mock the profound hope of Jesus’ second coming. But just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t!

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

2 Peter 3:8

The Apostle Peter, filled with the Spirit’s inspiration, warned us fervently as stated in 2 Peter 3:8. He emphasized that in these last days, skeptics would mock as if Jesus’ return is delayed. How astonishing it is! Our Lord chose to veil the timing of His return in mystery. This compels every generation to embrace a sense of urgency! Each of us must live in eager anticipation, ready for His magnificent arrival. This profound awareness ignites a blazing hope within us. It propels us forward. It fuels our relentless desire to reach the lost. It inspires us to illuminate our paths according to His divine will. While the exact moment of the rapture remains unknown, one irrefutable truth resounds. We are closer to that glorious event than any generation in history! The world is undergoing extraordinary globalization. It is witnessing the rapid spread of wickedness. This is eerily reminiscent of the warnings in Romans 1 regarding the advances of homosexuality. It is undeniably clear that the stage is set for our Savior’s triumphant return!

It would be an extraordinary blessing to witness the glorious return of Jesus and to escape the pain of death! This passage presents a profound reminder of God’s grace. It assures us that those who go before us—our beloved who have already departed—will be the first to be united with Christ! Absolutely no one is overlooked in this divine plan. Every true believer will find joy beyond measure. Even if they face death before that breathtaking moment, they will still experience the rapture in all its splendor!

 The Lord Himself

Jesus Himself is returning for us! This magnificent promise underscores the monumental significance of this event. Throughout history, God has graciously sent a multitude of messengers—prophets, apostles, and even angelic beings—to guide us. Yet, it is a truly extraordinary occurrence when He sends His own Son! Such a divine act is reserved for the most crucial moments, emphasizing just how vital this return is for all of humanity.

Will descend 

Jesus will leave heaven and come down to the world to receive us.

 A shout, the voice of the archangel, the trumpet of God… 

All of these elements vividly illustrate that this event will be an unavoidably NOISY spectacle. It will burst forth into the public domain, resounding with unparalleled intensity. This passage brims with urgency, and you won’t find words like “sneak, stealth, quietly, silently, in disguise” among its declarations.

Have you ever imagined the trumpet of God? I haven’t heard it, but I can only envision its earth-shattering volume. It will be a glorious melody for God’s faithful friends, yet a harrowing sound for His adversaries. One can easily picture the unbelievers, seized by dread, desperately covering their ears, hiding under tables and within closets. The archangel, perhaps Michael himself, will amplify his voice for this cataclysmic moment. And what about Jesus? He will shout with unmatched authority! What will He proclaim? The answer remains hidden. Perhaps it will be a warm greeting. It might be a commanding summons or a heartfelt welcome to His beloved followers.

The Bible clearly states the importance of this event. It also describes how openly it will unfold. Some cults boldly assert that Jesus has already returned for His church. Their attempt is misguided. They try to patch together their shattered prophecies regarding the timing of His return. They face the stark reality that nothing transpired on the days they so confidently foretold. This misrepresentation not only distorts the truth. It also undermines the profound anticipation and hope that the genuine fulfillment of Jesus’ return brings to believers everywhere.

Are you among the eager few who can’t contain their excitement, thinking, “He’s finally here!”? Or are you part of the anxious crowd, cowering in fear? How can you embrace this moment and prepare for what lies ahead? Are you truly ready to seize this opportunity? If you’re not prepared yet, when will you find the courage to be ready? What steps will you take to unleash your potential and get ready for the thrilling journey that awaits?

The dead in Christ will rise first 

These will not be forgotten! One of our deepest hopes is that one day, God will bless us with a new and perfect body. It will be free from pain, sin, and death. Can you imagine what this glorious body will be like? We can’t know for certain. However, the example of Jesus’ post-resurrection body offers us a tantalizing glimpse into this incredible future. What profound hints can we draw from that?

• He ate – This is exhilarating news for everyone who truly cherishes the joy of eating! It feels like a vibrant promise. The delight of savoring delicious food is not just a fleeting moment. It is a beautiful experience still waiting for us to embrace!
• He could phase through solid objects – Perhaps our bodies will be meta-physical in that they could appear/disappear/transport.
• You could touch Him. Jesus asked Thomas to touch Him. This meant that Thomas’s hand wouldn’t go straight through His body. (if it did Thomas would have kept believing that Jesus was a ghost.)

Our body may not be like Jesus’ was. Since He was the first one to go through this resurrection, it could be a sign that ours would be like His.

Funerals in countless corners of the globe stand as monumental affairs, steeped in deep significance across various religions and cultures. A heartbreaking reality came to light in China. Revered elderly individuals chose to end their lives to escape the looming shadow of cremation. A new law imposed this option. It mandates that, after a set date, all who pass in that region must be cremated. In their desperate quest for a traditional burial, these souls took the ultimate step. They wanted to honor their customs and secure their dignity. They strove to preserve their legacy before the ruthless tide of change swept their wishes away.

Some Westerners pour thousands of dollars into luxurious caskets, each more extravagant than the last. These aren’t just any caskets; some are waterproof, bug-proof, and exquisitely padded, designed to cradle the body with reverence. Moreover, many leave behind a powerful testament in their wills, expressing a fervent desire for their bodies to be frozen. They cling to the hope. One day, scientists might unlock the secrets of resurrection. They wish to return to a world of possibilities.

We truly understand aspects of the rapture and life beyond this earthly existence. Based on this understanding, we must fervently ask ourselves: what should our Biblical perspective encompass? Should we consider cremation? Are we willing to invest in certain post-death amenities? What profound instructions would you lay out in your will regarding your funeral? While some may deem it morbid to discuss, let us remember the vital importance of being prepared. With approximately 6,000 individuals departing from this world every hour and 37 million each year, countless souls leave unprepared. Your funeral could serve as a poignant final opportunity to bear witness. It can shine a light for the Lord. Alternatively, it could serve as an unbearable burden for your loved ones. Embrace this reality passionately and intentionally, for it is a matter of eternal significance!

Caught up

The Latin word for this profound concept is rapturo. Critics often challenge the very essence of the rapture, claiming this term is absent from the Bible itself. They might be correct in this claim. However, the truth remains that the doctrine’s name was brought to life through Jerome’s influential Latin Vulgate translation. The specific term is elusive in the Greek texts. Yet, the exhilarating idea of being “caught up” is undeniably present. So, what truly is this remarkable event? It unfolds in an instant. There’s barely a moment’s notice. This starkly contrasts the anticipated second coming.

From 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 we do see that his will happen lightning fast, in the twinkling of an eye.

⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— ⁵² in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52

At that glorious moment, we will be transformed, reborn into new forms of life! God will bestow upon each of us, whether dead or alive, magnificent new bodies that shine with vitality. Movies have often portrayed this awe-inspiring event. They depict our clothes, watches, glasses, pacemakers, and more. These items appear as if left behind in a beautiful, serene pile on the ground, utterly empty. This imagery resonates powerfully. It reminds us that the treasures of this earth cannot follow us into eternity. We transcend the material and move into a divine existence filled with wonder and purpose.

²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20

The very same movies show a stunning and chaotic world. In this world, planes soar through the skies with no pilots. Cars careen wildly down streets, and drivers vanish without a trace. This plunges us into a nightmarish scenario. Is this a reasonable portrayal? It seems entirely possible that such a reality could unfold before our eyes. This is based on the profound truths we find in Scripture. This impending upheaval would serve as a desperate wake-up call to a disbelieving world. Tragically, most would choose to look away. They would ignore the signs.

There exists, without a doubt, a profound precedent for this extraordinary event. We have witnessed similar experiences with the remarkable figures of Enoch and Elijah!

Caught up together – This will be an extraordinary reunion of all believers! For Christians who have endured the heart-wrenching loss of spouses, parents, siblings, friends, and children, this promise offers profound solace. Imagine the day when you will embrace those you’ve lost once more. Tears of sorrow will transform into tears of joy. You will find comfort in their presence. Remember, someday you will face loss, and in that moment, this hope will be your guiding light.

In the air – This is a profound distinction that sets this event apart from the second coming. Unlike the second coming, when Jesus triumphantly descends to earth and plants His feet upon the sacred Mount of Olives, this moment carries an extraordinary anticipation. It fills the hearts of the faithful with hope and fervor!

⁴ On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. ⁵ You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.

Zechariah 14:4-5

The two events have numerous profound differences. However, none are as powerful as the glorious and tangible return of Jesus to the earth. This is truly one of the most striking and awe-inspiring realities!

So we shall always be with the Lord

This is the heart of the matter when it comes to the rapture! This is the precious gem we’ve uncovered today. Our hope transcends the joys of heaven, the promise of new bodies, or the sweet reunion with lost loved ones. The most profound aspect is our eternal companionship with the Lord! Our sin has driven a wedge between humanity and God. This separation has existed since the dawn of creation in the Garden of Eden. Yet, a glorious day will come. On that day, the separation is vanquished. We will experience the reality of face-to-face communion with our Lord and Savior! Live your life with purpose and integrity, so that you may gaze into His eyes, unashamed and filled with love!

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

There are countless transformative applications stemming from Paul’s profound teachings, yet he fervently emphasizes one for his readers to embrace. One of the most significant implications is that believers are equipped to confront death with courage and grace. So what does this bold revelation mean for us?

• Urgency to share the gospel. We have a profound responsibility to bring comfort to families grieving the loss of their loved ones. This comfort is only possible if the deceased was a believer. For those who do not know Christ, death marks the end of their opportunity. They can no longer embrace God’s generous gift of salvation. This powerful realization should ignite a fire within us. We need to share the Good News while there is still time for acceptance. Let it spur us on to reach out to those nearing the end of their journey. This includes elderly family members and individuals battling terminal illnesses. The list is endless. The stakes are incredibly high, and we cannot afford to stand by silently!
• We can know what to say. This passage passionately reveals the profound truths we can share to uplift the hearts of fellow believers. Losing loved ones can feel unbearably sorrowful. However, there is a deep comfort in the glorious promise. If both sides hold steadfast faith in the Lord, they will joyously reunite once more in His everlasting embrace.
• We do not need to despair about death. How many souls face the shadow of death, whether it’s their own or that of a loved one? How many succumb to despair? They may transform into embittered beings, filled with anger and resentment, casting hatred toward a God who permits such suffering. Yet, amidst this turmoil lies a profound truth: there is an undeniable hope that transcends death. For believers, death is not an end but a glorious next step into the embrace of eternity. Conversely, for those who deny the divine, despair reigns, leaving them hollow and terrified as death shatters their reality. But for us, oh, we know there is so much more that awaits us beyond the veil!
• We must be ready for the rapture. Don’t be like the wicked slave in Jesus’ parable who was not ready for the Master’s return. Today we have been reminded that Jesus is coming back for us. This is a certainty. It’s more certain than death or taxes. The question is, will you be ready?

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Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 15:35-50 – This passage teaches about about the resurrection of the dead and the glorified bodies given to believers.
• Philippians 3:20-21
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-55
• 2 Corinthians 5:8
• Luke 23:43
• Genesis 5:24
• John 14:1-3
• 1 Thessalonians 5:9
• 2 Timothy 4:8
• Revelation 2:25

Discussion Questions

• Why did Paul write the Thessalonians about this issue? What was his motivation?
• How can this passage be useful for us? How does it influence our lives?
• Who does the term “asleep” refer to?
• What is the core of the gospel as mentioned in verse 14? Why are these two facts so important to the gospel?
• What does it mean “fallen asleep in Jesus?”
• Believers will not precede those who have fallen asleep in going where?
• What event is described in verse 16-17?
• Who are the parties who are involved?
• What exactly will happen?
• Where will Jesus descend to?
• What signs will accompany this event? What do all three things (shout, voice, trumpet) have in common? Why might these signs accompany this event?
• What does it mean that the dead in Christ will arise? What if they have been cremated or their bodies have decomposed? Where was their soul in the interim?
• Why does Jesus want to come do this? How will believers feel at that time? If you are alive, how will you feel?
• What signs precede this (none)?
• How does the rapture affect our daily lives? How does the teaching in this passage influence you? What should you do based on what you have learned today? What direct application did Paul give to his readers?

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