For most people, death is not only a tragedy, it is also a mystery. They are afraid of what comes after death. They have no assurance that their lives are pleasing to God and they fear punishment. They also do not have any assurance that they will ever see their loved ones again.
The followers of Christ in the city of Thessalonica were also perplexed about death. Their faith in Christ was strong. They believed that He would one day return to earth. They lived in the hope that they would live forever with Christ. But what about those who had died before Christ’s return? Were they gone forever? Would the believers ever again see their brothers in the faith, who had died? Paul addresses these concerns in chapter 4, verses 13 through 18 of his first inspired letter to them: “But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
When those who are close to us die, it is natural to grieve. Those outside of Christ grieve because death is a final and eternal separation from their loved ones. For those who follow Christ, however, grief at the death of a loved one is tempered by hope. What is the basis for this hope? It is this, that Jesus, Himself, rose from the dead. If Jesus had merely ascended into heaven, it would have been something which does not touch our experience and, therefore, something to which we cannot relate. If Jesus had merely died, it would have been a tragedy no different from the millions of other deaths which occur. But since Christ not only died but rose again from the dead, we can rest assured that He spoke the truth when He said that, one day, all the dead will be raised. He is living proof of what He promised.
Not only will the dead be raised, we also have the promise that Jesus will return from heaven. Scripture records, “When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.”” (Acts 1:9-11)
What is the significance of Jesus’ rising from the dead and returning from heaven? In chapter 3, verse 13, Paul had assured the people to whom he was writing that when Jesus returns he will be accompanied by his ‘saints.’ Who are these ‘saints?’ In chapter 4, verse 14 Paul indicates that these are the followers of Christ who have died prior to His return. This is one reason Paul stresses the need to be holy. It is those who have lived holy lives; those who are sanctified when they die, who will accompany Christ when He returns.
Paul also writes that upon Christ’s return, those who have died in Christ will rise from the dead. How can this be since Paul has already said that they will accompany Christ on His return? No doubt both statements are true, but we freely admit that it is sometimes difficult to understand what will happen in the future. Perhaps it is the souls of those who have died in Christ which will accompany Him upon His return. Then, their bodies will be resurrected. In this way the souls of those who have died will be re-united with new bodies which will never decay or perish. In any case, Paul writes that the Lord Jesus, Himself, has promised that those who have died in Christ will rise first. Then, those who are alive at the time of His return who belong to Him will join Christ and the resurrected saints.
What will the manner of Jesus’ return be? Some people have the idea that Christ will return quietly. The world will not know about the return until they realize that His followers are no longer among them. This idea is not correct. Paul clearly indicates that Christ’s will be obvious and unmistakable. One of the things which will make it unmistakable is that there will be a loud shout or command from heaven. We are not told what this command will be. Perhaps it will be the order for the dead to rise. Perhaps it will be the victory chant over death. As it is written, “Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55) Perhaps it will be the summons for all of mankind to face judgment. Perhaps it will be the command which destroys the universe. This shout will also be accompanied by the voice of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. Again, we do not know exactly what all of these things mean. We will know when it happens. The question is whether we will be ready for Christ’s return.
What will the result of Christ’s return be? Aside from the resurrection of the dead, Paul mentions two other results of Christ returning. The first is that His followers will rise to meet him and the other holy ones in the air. Since this is impossible for our earthly bodies this implies that Christ’s followers will be given a new type of body. In another place Paul explains it this way, “Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) Secondly, Paul writes that Christ’s followers will be with Him forever. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.” (John 14:2-3)
Rejoining loved ones who have died. A changed body. Being with the Lord forever. It is because of these wonderful promises that Paul can tell his readers to encourage one another. But these promises are only for those who are in Christ. Are you one of His followers?