1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (CSB)
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
The Apostle Paul realised the Thessalonian Christians needed more information about the return of Jesus Christ to earth. They especially needed teaching about Christians who had died before the return of Jesus, and what will happen to those people. Paul wanted the Thessalonian Christians to know that death is not final, and therefore should not cause them to grieve like the unbelievers grieve.
When Jesus Christ returns to earth, He descends from heaven with a shout. The archangel’s voice will be heard and also the trumpet of God. Jesus will bring with Him the souls of deceased Christians and they will receive their resurrected bodies. Christians who are living at the time of Jesus’ return, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and always be with Him. Paul wanted the Christians to encourage one another with the words He had taught them.
Dear God,
Thank you that death is not the end, and that when we meet Jesus in the clouds, when He returns to earth, we will receive our immortal, glorified bodies and be with you God for all eternity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
