1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 - CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 (KJV)

CAUGHT UP IN THE CLOUDS

(a special thanks to Fr. John Thorpe for giving us insight on this passage)

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Thessalonians were concerned that believers who had died would somehow miss out on the return of Jesus. Paul writes to assure them that the dead in Christ will NOT miss the party!  They will be present for the glorious celebration when He returns as King of kings because they will be resurrected from the grave.

 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

Those who are still alive when Christ comes do not have priority or privilege over those who have fallen asleep in the Lord (died) prior to His return.  Paul included the believers of that time in “we who remain” because he believed the Lord could return in his lifetime, not necessarily that He would return in his lifetime.  Paul and the Thessalonians live in expectation of Jesus’ return as should we.  We do not know the hour or the day, so we must live as if it could be in the next moment.

Matthew 24:44 (NASB) For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

In this passage, Paul does not set this event in a time frame as to when it happens in relation to the seven-year period of tribulation.  This is not a quiet event so it does not seem to be the same as indicated in Matthew 24:41 “Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is often thought of as a pre-tribulation “rapture,” but it would not necessarily have to be so.  The believers could be caught up in the clouds to immediately return in triumph with the Lord.  It would be necessary to study the entire context of what the word of God says about the end times to determine a chronology. The most important concept here is that there will be a resurrection of believers and those who are alive at the time will be suddenly transformed and transported to be in the clouds along with them and with Jesus. NO believer will miss out!

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Whether we are headed back to Heaven with Jesus at that time or are to accompany Him like a triumphant army back to earth, the main idea is that from that point forward we will be physically with the Lord Jesus.  He is with us now via the work of the Holy Spirit within us, but after we are caught up in the clouds, we will be physically in His presence forever. HALLELUJAH!

1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This passage has been used through the centuries to comfort those who have said good-by to a believing family member or friend.  As Christians, we celebrate the life of one who has gone to be with Lord because we know that even though our loved one has transcended from our present, they are already in our future.  They are forever with the Lord where we shall be when our mission here is finished or when He comes and we are caught up in the clouds.  This is why we as Christians have hope and grieve differently than those who do not know Jesus.

QUESTIONS:

1. Are you confident that you will be among those “caught up in the clouds” when Jesus comes for His followers?

2. Do you have friends who need to hear the gospel in order to be with you on that day?