Those who sleep in Jesus and the Harpazo

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I was doing some study on 1 Thessalonian 4. As I was studying it. I discovered the significant point of its writing. Many of the believer in those times were being hunted down and destroyed. Many were mourning their loss of those they loved in Christ. The scripture in in 1 Thessalonians 4 was to comfort them and reassure them that they will not be forgotten. In the time of Jesus' return the dead will be the first to rise and meet Him in the air. We who are alive and remaining will follow after them. These words were to be a comfort to them in their time of sorrow.

Response:

Here is a perspective to consider...that goes along with your observation. It is possible that 2 Thessalonians 2 was actually the first letter...written quickly before Paul sailed to Athens (Acts 17:14 & 15). There is a transition between Old Testament prophecy about "the day of the Lord" and the New Testament "mystery" of "we (living and departed saints) shall be changed" before "the day of resurrection" prophecy of the O.T. after the "day of the LORD" (see Daniel 12:2). Since Paul's teaching was new revelation...it was in conflict with old revelation. Those disciples taught by the apostles were claiming to the Thessalonians "by the spirit" or by "word of knowledge" or by a forged letter in Paul's name (2 Thess 2:2) that "the day of the LORD" had come (enistemi) NASV. Paul in this short letter corrects this by saying that the "gathering together" (episunagoge) and the "departure" (apostosia) will occur "first"...starting the "time of the Lord" (Daniel's seventieth seven) with the revelation of the man of sin, who will desecrate the temple (v. 4), and be destoyed on "THE day of the Lord" at Jesus' second coming (v. 8).

When Timothy met Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5)...he gave a report on the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:6). The saints were waiting in expectation for the "coming of Jesus" to rescue them from the "coming wrath" that will occur during the "time (day) of the LORD." (1:9 & 10, 2:19 & 20, 3:13). But the old revelation about "the day of resurrection" that will follow after "THE day of the LORD" persisted and some of the Thessalonians believed the living saints will be "gathered together" and "depart" like Paul said in his first letter...but...this would mean the saints who died as martyrs during their tribulation (2 Thess. 1:3-12 and 1 Thess. 1:15 & 16)...would have to wait until seven years later...then be resurrected (precede them that sleep 4:15). Paul does not want them to remain uninformed about the departed saints. They will be included in the "gathering together" and will "depart with the living saints. This "mystery" is not found in the old revelation. Paul explain how the departed will be harpazo-ed at the same time as the living saints. Paul gives this order of events...which agrees with what he taught to the Corinthians (15:50-54)...

First - vs. 13 & 14 For the departed this is a blessed hope. Though their body sleeps the sleep of death..."in Jesus"...their souls that went to heaven..will God have Jesus bring "with Him." This hope is joined to Jesus' resurrection.

Parenthetical thought- v. 15 & 16 The "coming of the Lord" to "gathering together" (episunagoge) and "depart" (apostosia) with His saints will be for the departed saints first...not for the living saints first.

Second - The Lord Jesus will descend through the third and second heaven with the souls of the departed saints.

Third- When the Lord reached earths atmosphere (the clouds of the air), He and those with Him will stop. Then Jesus will give a loud shout "Anabaino!" (Rev. 4:1) and then the bodies of those who sleep in Jesus will be "changed" (allasso) and resurrected (raised) first. The corruptible is raised incorruptible.

Fourth - Then the living saints will be "changed" (allasso) and tranlated. The mortal shall put on immortality.

Fifth- Together they are "caught up" (harpazo), "gathering together" (episunagoge) and "depart" (apostosia)..."to meet the Lord in the clouds in the atmosphere. In 1/100th of a second (twinkle of an eye) the immortal souls will be joined to their incorruptible bodies, being fully clothed (2 Corinth 5:1-10) ..and the living saints...the bride and body of Christ go to heaven to "ever be with the Lord."

The Christian saint who "sleeps" in Jesus will not sleep until Jesus' second coming. The Christian saint who sleeps in Jesus will not be left behind when the living saints are gathered together and changed from mortal to immortal...rather...this coming is unique and unlike the second coming whereby those who are resurrected receive their eternal bodies...but the living saints remain mortal...to repopulate the earth during the millennium. In this "Coming of the Lord" only those...living and departed who are His bride and body will be changed together, gathered together, caught up together, and depart together.