In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul begins a passage in Chapter 4:13 about “The Parousia” or “The Coming of the Lord.” The Greek word “Parousia” simply means presence with and indicates an arrival. In the New Testament the word came to be the standard word for the Coming of Christ.
In Acts 1, following His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples for a period of 40 days. During that time, he talked to them about the kingdom of God. When 40 days ended, these disciples watched as Jesus “was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight,” and suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them and told them that “this same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” [1:9,11]
This letter to the Thessalonians is one of the earliest written, and these young converts were probably anticipating the soon return of their Lord. Unfortunately, as they waited, some had died. Now they were confused. What would happen to those who died before the Lord’s return? Would they miss out on glory?
Paul clarifies the Coming of the Lord, and what happens to believers who die before His return in one of the most beautiful, most quoted, and often MIS-quoted passages ever written. Reflect on his words for they have great meaning for us today as we too are anticipating His Soon Coming.
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” [4:13-18 NLT]
Come, Jesus Come!