The Daily Guide
The resurrection
I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 - NKJV
The apostle Paul was concerned about how the believers were going to come to terms with the death of a loved one. He didn't want them grieving like people in the world who were outside of Christ. He had a heart of compassion for people as the verse above shows. He was concerned for every aspect of our well-being. 2Cor.7:10.
What happens when someone dies? If you don't know you can literally harm yourself by your grief at losing them! When people die do they cease to exist? Or do they go into some sort of oblivion for a time? Or has God got an immediate destination for them? Paul proceeds to answer these questions. He begins by encouraging us. He says, "God will bring with Him (Jesus) those who sleep (died) in Jesus." Look what He's going to do! He's going to bring them WITH Him - to do this they must be where He is to start with! 2Cor.7:10, 1Thes.4:14.
Your loved ones who died in Christ are now with the Lord where He is! One day soon He will bring them back with Him for the redemption of their physical bodies. The resurrection is that glorious event when those who are now in Heaven with Christ will come back with Him to receive their physical bodies re-constructed into glorious bodies - immortal and incorruptible. And what of us who remain? We get to meet up with them "in the air" also having received glorious bodies! So Paul concludes, "Thus we (all) shall always be with the Lord!" See 1Cor.15:51-55, 1Thes.4:13-18 and Phil.3:21.
What a blessed hope! Titus 2:13
Copyright © 2005 P.F. (Simon) Measures
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