Here is Real Hope

Bible Passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 35-57

We have resumed our study of 1 Thessalonians and this week's lesson deals with the question about what will happen to a Christian if he dies before the Lord returns. This question was obviously important to the believers in Thessalonica. They came from various backgrounds and had differing ideas about what would have happened to a person if he died before the Lord's return. Paul wanted to set the record straight so that they would be reassured/comforted about their loved ones and not be like non-believers who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13). The word "hope" refers not to a wish that it will be true or a longing that it might be true. Instead, it conveys an expectation or comfort obtained from the fact that what he is about to state is factual/ certain.

In 1 Thess 4:14, Paul starts with the resurrection of Jesus. He reminds them that Jesus has already risen and therefore, living believers can be certain that dead believers will be raised in like fashion. In 1 Corinthians 15: 20-23, Paul writes that "Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep". In other words, he is the first of many to be resurrected in the future at the time of His return! We can be certain that we will be raised because Jesus already has been.

Next, in 1 Thess 4:15, he tells them that living believers will not precede those that have died in joining the Lord. In other words, there is no disadvantage in dying before the Lord returns. They will not miss out on ANY blessing, especially the joy that will be present among us when Jesus returns.

In 1 Thess 4:16, he describes a series of events that will take place. The Lord will come down from heaven, a loud command will be given, the voice of the archangel will be heard, and the trumpet call of God will sound! Then, the dead in Christ will rise first. The obvious question is, "What will they be like?" Paul addresses this question in 1 Corinthians 15: 35-50. In these verses, he explains that currently we have earthly bodies (referred to by him in 2 Corinthians 5:1 as a tent... a temporary dwelling place) that are perishable, natural, weak, and dishonored. When we are raised, we will have new imperishable, glorified, powerful, spiritual bodies. Personally, I believe that this means that our sin nature will be gone! Think about how great that will be. No longer will we be warring against ourselves (as expressed by Paul in Romans 7:15-25). Instead of bearing the likeness of Adam (sinful), we will bear the likeness of Jesus (sinless) (1 Corinthians 15: 49)!

Finally, in 1 Thess 4:17, Paul writes that living believers will, at that point, be caught up together with them (the resurrected dead) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This is the event that we call the "rapture". Rapture is a term that never appears in the Bible but refers to the events described here. Many have tried to predict when this event will occur. There are many theories. In the end, it does not matter. It is enough to know that the event will occur and all believers, both living and dead will be included. Notice that Paul's account was not an attempt to record all of the events that would take place. Instead, his aim is stated in 1 Thess 4:18... to educate the Thessalonian believers so that they could "encourage each other with these words".

Similarly, Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 to consider these facts and therefore, stand firm in our faith. We are to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Our labor is not in vain. Our future, whether we live in the body or not is secure. When the Lord returns, we will be with Him!