THE RAPTURE

I Thessalonians 4: 13-15

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. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with Him. 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.

GOD WILL BRING WITH HIM

In the verses of I Thessalonians 14: 13 - 18, there are two distinct steps revealed that point to the rapture. One step is the resurrection of the dead and the second is the meeting of JESUS in the air - the rapture.

Verse 15 is very clear that the dead in Christ will arise first and those which are alive will meet JESUS.

Tomorrow, I will expound more on the "meeting in the air" and "coming to earth". They are very different and the Church will be with the LORD when He comes to the earth to judge the earth and the people with His truth.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 hold a great hope for all those who have experienced the death of a loved one.  Notice that Paul uses the word "asleep" to characterize those who have died.  JESUS used that word when He looked upon a person He was going to raise from the dead.  Jarius' daughter is a great example.  

Those who "sleep" in JESUS are raised in the same manner as JESUS.  The path that JESUS took, is the path that the Church will take: first the resurrection, then the gathering of the Church with JESUS. and then the return to earth to judge it.

Those who are asleep in JESUS will be gathered up with Him and will rule and reign with Him forever.