Believe All Christians Will Rise

Ever wonder how things will play out when Christ comes again? I was reminded this morning and began thinking and studying what happens.

“¹⁴For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁵For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.” – 1 Thessalonians, 4:14-15 (ESV)

“Asleep”, here Paul is referring to those who have died. The Thessalonians were likely concerned for those that had died before the 2^nd coming. Their concern was valid based on the newness of their faith and the ignorance in their belief. Paul assures them that those Christians that had passed from this world would not be forgotten, in fact, they would “awake” and rise even before those still alive.

As Paul refers to the dead Christians as “asleep” indicates that they will again awake and their bodies will be called up. I have no doubt that at death in this world, Christians went to be with the Lord and are in fellowship with Him now. What I am reminded of is that simply their bodies are still here.

I have to think of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died and in three days rose again. When Jesus died, he went to be with His Father, our Lord in heaven. Then, three days later He returned to wake His body that we all may have an example of what is to come. We have/will die here on earth and our bodies will be left behind. Until the 2^nd coming and our bodies will “wake” and we will be reunited with them in Christ.

I am encouraged by the words written by Paul. I know that my fate has been sealed in my salvation. I have no reason to fear being left behind, as I will indeed return to claim my body with Christ in His return (if He returns after my body has gone asleep).

What are your beliefs related to your passing or the passing of those you love? Are you aware of the impact that the 2^nd coming will have on the bodies of you and your loved ones? Are you able to believe that all Christians will rise at the 2^nd coming of Christ Jesus?