The verse in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that speaks of the dead in Christ rising first is an important passage that gives insight into biblical eschatology and the events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the context of 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul is addressing concerns among the Thessalonian church regarding those who have passed away before the return of Christ. He assures them that those who have died in Christ will not miss out on Christ’s return or the resurrection. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind this verse.
The Context of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul begins this passage by encouraging the Thessalonian believers not to grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13). As Christians, we grieve when loved ones die, but we do not grieve like those who believe death is final. There is hope beyond the grave for believers in Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to explain why there is hope using the metaphor of sleep – just as Christ rose from the dead, those who have “fallen asleep” in Him will also rise (1 Thess 4:14).
Then we come to the key verse:
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
This verse speaks specifically about the order of resurrection events when Christ returns. Paul is affirming that those who have died as believers in Christ will be the first to rise again from the dead when Jesus returns in glory.
What Does it Mean “The Dead in Christ Will Rise First”?
When Paul writes that the dead in Christ will rise first, he is referring to the bodily resurrection of believers who have died. The bodies of faithful followers of Jesus who have passed away will be raised and transformed when Christ returns. This resurrection is the consummation of the salvation they received by faith during their earthly lives.
The apostle Paul lays out a sequence of end times events. First, Jesus will descend from heaven with the voice of the archangel and trumpet call of God. Then, as part of this glorious return, those Christians who have died will be resurrected. Their physical bodies will be raised and transformed into imperishable, immortal resurrection bodies (1 Cor 15:51-55). After the dead in Christ are raised, Paul says that next, “we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess 4:17). Paul includes himself with those who would still be alive at Christ’s return. The living and resurrected believers will all together be caught up to meet Christ and accompany Him in His triumphant descent to earth.
So in summary, the dead in Christ (faithful believers who have died) will rise first in glorious resurrection. Then, living Christians will join resurrected believers to meet Christ in the air when He returns. The dead in Christ will have the honor of rising first.
Why is the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ First Important?
This order of resurrection highlights a few key truths:
1. It affirms the certainty of bodily resurrection for believers
By stating that the dead in Christ will rise first, Paul underscores the reality that resurrection is part of the future for all those who are united to Christ by faith. Believers who die do not miss out on the hope of resurrection simply because they pass away before Christ’s return. As Paul says in Romans 14:8, “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Living or dead, we will participate in resurrection.
2. It provides comfort regarding those who have died in the faith
These words reassure any believers who were worried about losing loved ones. Paul emphasizes that those who have fallen asleep in Christ will not miss out on His return. In fact, they have the honor of rising first when Jesus descends from heaven. This provides comfort and hope.
3. It emphasizes the importance of being found in Christ
Paul speaks specifically of the dead “in Christ” rising first. Our resurrection is only possible through being united with Jesus Christ by faith in this life. Without Christ, there is no hope of resurrection (1 Cor. 15:17-19). The dead in Christ will rise first because they have received the gift of eternal life (Rom. 6:23).
4. It indicates immediacy
The swift sequence – Christ descending, dead rising, living joining them in the air – emphasizes the immediacy of these end times events. When Christ returns, things will happen quickly. According to the apostle Paul, the dead in Christ will rise rapidly to meet the Lord.
5. It underscores the surpassing value of knowing Christ
That the dead in Christ rise first demonstrates that the most valuable thing in life is knowing Jesus Christ. Earthly achievements and accolades pale in comparison to the glory that awaits believers at the resurrection. Union with Christ gives hope in death and access to eternal life.
Other Bible Passages About the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ
The New Testament contains many other references to the future resurrection that awaits believers:
– John 5:25, 28-29 – Jesus declares that the dead will hear His voice and arise, some to eternal life and some to judgment.
– Acts 24:15 – Paul affirms to Felix his belief in “a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.”
– 1 Corinthians 15 – This famous chapter on resurrection states that “in Christ all shall be made alive” and Christ has been raised as “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:13-14 – Paul writes that the same Spirit who raised Jesus “will also give life to your mortal bodies.”
– 1 Peter 1:3 – Peter praises God for causing us to be “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
– Revelation 20:4-6 – John sees souls who had been beheaded reigning with Christ for 1000 years. This is the first resurrection.
So the resurrection hope of believers who have died is confirmed throughout Scripture. Jesus assures us that all who believe in Him, even if they die, will live (John 11:25). The day is coming when the dead in Christ shall rise first. This glorious event will mark Christ’s defeat of sin and death once for all.
What Happens After the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ?
According to 1 Thessalonians 4, after the dead in Christ are raised, then living believers will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess 4:17). But what happens next?
The Bible does not give a precise timeline of events. But the general picture is that the resurrection of the dead ushers in the millennial kingdom – a 1000 year period when Christ will reign on earth (Rev 20:4-6). After God has judged His enemies, the resurrected and raptured church will participate in Christ’s rule and restoration of the earth (Rev. 20:4-6).
At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released for a time and then thrown into the lake of fire. Then the Great White Throne judgment will occur when all the dead stand before God. Finally, believers will dwell with God forever in the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21-22). The resurrection of the dead in Christ marks the beginning of their eternal state with glorified bodies in fellowship with their Redeemer.
So in summary, this is the general sequence after dead believers are raised:
1. Living Christians are caught up to meet Christ in the air
2. The millennial kingdom is established on earth
3. Satan is defeated once and for all
4. All the dead are judged
5. Believers dwell forever with God in the new creation
The hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ provides amazing comfort and reassurance for all believers, both living and dead. We can look forward to Christ’s glorious appearing when the dead in Christ will rise first.
Practical Applications
How should this truth impact how we live today? Here are some key applications:
1. We can take comfort knowing deceased believers will participate in Christ’s return.
As Paul wanted to assure the grieving Thessalonians, those who have died trusting in Jesus will not miss out on His second coming. In fact, they have the privilege of rising first when the Lord descends from heaven. This truth provides enormous comfort regarding departed loved ones.
2. The order of resurrection events underscores the importance of abiding in Christ.
Paul specifically describes the resurrection of “the dead in Christ.” Only those joined to Jesus Christ receive eternal life and the hope of resurrection. This reminds us to earnestly examine ourselves to confirm we are truly abiding in Christ (2 Cor. 13:5).
3. This truth provides perspective on our priorities and values.
Since nothing compares to the glory of resurrection, this truth helps recalibrate our priorities. Investing in the temporal often takes precedence over the eternal. But Paul’s descriptions of Christ’s return call us to live in light of eternity.
4. We can be steadfast and immovable because our labor in Christ is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
The future resurrection empowers endurance and motivates abounding kingdom work. Since the dead in Christ will rise, we can remain faithful even unto death, knowing our labor is not in vain. The resurrection affirms the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes.
5. We should live holy lives aimed toward resurrection (1 John 3:2-3).
Knowing Christ’s return could happen at any moment motivates purity and holiness. With the dead in Christ rising first, all the more we should purify ourselves as we eagerly await our resurrection hope.
The resurrection of the dead in Christ is a precious doctrine full of comfort and hope. May God grant us grace as we eagerly but patiently await the day when Christ will descend and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Maranatha!