Christ’s Return and Some Important Details

In the last paragraph of chapter 4, Paul writes about the second coming of Jesus.  Jesus came first to die but when He returns, He comes to rule and reign on the earth and in the hearts of those who love Him. It appears that some Thessalonians were thinking that those who had already died (fallen asleep) might have missed out on the return of Jesus.  If they were already dead, did they miss out?  Paul sets their minds to rest and gives some important details about Jesus’ return.  Here are the first couple of thoughts in verses 13-14: “¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”  This first detail is pretty basic and straightforward. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so those who “sleep in Jesus” will also rise from the dead.  Jesus’ resurrection is the “firstfruits” of a much greater resurrection; but only for those who “sleep in Jesus”; not for everyone. Note also in verse 13 that there are those who “sorrow without hope”.  A believer in Jesus will be resurrected and has the hope of Jesus’ resurrection to hang onto.  Those who do not believe in Jesus have no such hope.  There just isn’t any other way to sensibly understand these words. Christ is returning for His own…not for everyone.  Over the next couple of days we will look in more detail at the details Paul reveals but please understand that only those “in Jesus” will be resurrected with Him.  Are you “in Jesus”?