1 Corinthians 15:51-53
Rebuttal (concerning above text):
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The theme of 1 Corinthians 15 is the resurrection, which takes place at the coming of Jesus (1 Cor 15: 23). The resurrection is followed by His reign until all His enemies are conquered (1 Cor 15: 25). Revelation 20: 7 - 10 places the final defeat of all who are against Christ, at the end of His millennial reign.
The question is asked, how are the dead raised? (1 Cor 15: 35). Although Paul regards it as a foolish question he goes on to provide an answer as far as he is able. Our present corruptible bodies will be raised incorruptible (1 Cor 15: 42). They will bare the image of Christ (1 Cor 15: 49). This is supported in 1 John 3: 2 “when He is revealed we shall be like Him. According to 1 Cor 15: 50 our present corruptible bodies will not inherit the kingdom of God. Instead in an instant we will be transformed (1 Cor 15: 52). We will be given new incorruptible bodies. We are assured in 1 Cor 15: 51 that the resurrection will apply to all the faithful. The many who are dead and those who are still living, both will be transformed at this time.
In 2 Corinthians 5: 4 Paul likens our intermediate state after death and before the resurrection as being unclothed. He looks forward to being clothed in his resurrection body. In the intermediate state of heaven we do not have a body. Bodies are required for life on earth.
We are coming back to reign with Christ (Revelation 5: 10. 20: 4, etc.)
1 Corinthians 15 makes no mention of being gathered up. It is about being equipped with a new body so that we can serve Jesus by reigning on the earth. Why will the saints be given a new body if they are returning to heaven where they have existed for a time without the need for a body? Our eternal destiny is to live in and maintain the material world. It is a task for which we will require a body.
Jesus’ direction of travel is earthward. As we will see, we are caught up to greet Him and accompany Him on his journey to claim His throne.
The timing is clearly stated. It will happen at Christ’s coming (1 Cor 15: 23) and the sounding of the last trumpet (1 Cor 15: 52).
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Philippians 3:20-21
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“Our citizenship is in heaven” Here on earth as citizens of heaven we live by the standards of heaven.
Philippians 3: 17 - 21 contrasts those who set their minds on earthly things with those who follow Christ. Like the faithful in Hebrews 11 we seek and long for a heavenly country in contrast to the fallen world in which we presently live. As with the passage in Corinthians 15 these verses speaks of the new body which we require when heaven comes down to men. Heaven for us will always be the material world of God’s amazing creation. One day heaven, the dwelling place of God, and the material world of His creation will become one (Revelation 21: 22).
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
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This passage describes the ‘parousia’ of our Lord and its consequences for us. The greek word parousia is usually translated as coming or presence. Although a word in general use it had a special meaning when used in connection with a great dignitary.
In the UK if it is announced that there will be a state visit by another country’s head of state we have a good idea of what is involved. The flags of the visiting leader’s nation will be displayed down the Mall. There will be a banquet at Buckingham Palace. The head of State and our Prime Minister will visit certain selected sites.
In the ancient world from about the third century BC the parousia of an emperor or ruler to a city would have a similar meaning. One feature would be the leading citizens of the city coming out to welcome the emperor and escort him back into the city. [Adolf Deissmann gives several examples of this in his book ‘Light from the Ancient East’ pages 368 to 373].
When the King of kings and Lord of lord’s comes (parousia) we will be gathered to escort Him to his throne. We will be transformed ready to reign with Him on earth. As with 1 Corinthians 15 this will be announced by the trumpet of God.
Is this before or after the great tribulation which Jesus warned us about?
To find out we need to look at a comparison between this passage in 1 Thessalonians 4 and Matthew 24. Below is a chart which compares the two scriptures.
EVENT(S)
Christ returns
(1 Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:30)
from heaven
(1 Thess.4:16; Matt. 24:30)
accompanied by angels
(1 Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:31)
with a trumpet of God
(1 Thess. 4:16; Matt. 24:31)
believers gathered to Christ
(1 Thess. 4:17; Matt. 24:31)
Mark’s Gospel adds that they are at this time gathered from the farthest corner of heaven which parallels the dead in Christ [who are in heaven] will rise first.
(1 Thess. 4:16; Mark 13:27)
in clouds
(1 Thess. 4:17; Matt. 24:30)
time unknown
(1 Thess. 5:12; Matt. 24:36)
coming like a thief
(1 Thess. 5:2,4; Matt. 24:43)
unbelievers unaware of impending judgment
(1 Thess. 5:3; Matt. 24:37-39(M)
judgment comes as pain upon an expectant mother
(1 Thess. 5:3; Matt. 24:8)
believers not deceived
(1 Thess. 5:4-5; Matt. 24:43)
believers to be watchful
(1 Thess. 5:6; Matt. 24:37-39)
warning against drunkenness
(1 Thess. 5:7; Matt. 24:49)
There are so many similarities that it is difficult to argue that they are not describing the same event.
Matthew 24:29,30 sets this event after the tribulation.
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1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
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In 1 Thessalonians 5 we have an exhortation not to sleep. We are to watch, (1 Thessalonians 5: 6). We are to be on our guard against the influence of the world.
Our response to the world is to be sober, putting on the breast plate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
Those who go the way of the world will be judged and suffer God’s wrath. This is a reminder to remain vigilant so that we obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Wrath is used here in contrast to salvation.
The full force of God’s wrath will be seen on the Day of Judgment. We are to follow Christ’s example and overcome tribulation by keeping focused on the glory of salvation which is to come.
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2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4
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Paul has to write to correct an error which had crept into the church disturbing some. He comforts them by reminding them of their salvation (2 Thess 2: 13) and the everlasting consolation which we have in Christ (2 Thess 2: 16 -17). In his previous letter Paul has written about the resurrection and rapture of those who believe. If we are to be raptured before the man of sin and apostasy, Paul could have greatly comforted the Thessalonians with the assurance that they would be removed before these events. In which case what follows would only be of academic interest to them.
Instead he warns that the man of sin and apostasy come before the day of the Lord. They need to know about and be prepared for the great deception which Satan will be allowed to accomplish. Paul provides the assurance that everything which happens is under the sovereign will of God. The Lord is using these events for His own purposes. When Jesus comes he will destroy the man of sin and judge those who believe the lie.
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Titus 2:13
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Jesus for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12: 2).
To endure suffering we need to look beyond our present condition to the glory which lies ahead. Our example is Jesus who, on the cross, endured suffering beyond what we can ever imagine. He did it for us and the joy which it gave him to have in prospect a bride who He loves and who loves Him. The suffering of this present time even the tribulation which ends this present age is nothing compared to the glory which The Father and Son have in store for us. (Romans 8: 18). The return of Jesus at the close of this age is truly our blessed hope.
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Mark 13:24-27
Rebuttal (concerning above text):
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The event Christ is speaking about is His Second Coming after the Tribulation. When He returns, He sends His angels to gather the elect. The elect here is referring to Israel and more specifically the believing remnant. Israel is always referred to as God’s elect. In the Epistles, Christians are also referred to as the elect but here Christ is teaching His disciples and their expectation based on the Old Testament and all Christ has taught is the salvation and gathering of a Jewish remnant. In still in keeping with the teaching of Matthew 24, Revelation 7(144 000 Jewish remnant), Revelation 12 and 19.
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1 Thessalonians 4:15 &
1 Corinthians 15: 51-53
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I am combing these two passages, because I believe Paul is speaking of the same event. The resurrection was never a mystery, John 11:25-27, but the mystery is specifically connected to the Church(Jew and Gentile), Ephesians 3:4-7. Both passages reveal a transformation and caught up(Harpazo, Rapture). In the Second Coming, Christ returns to earth, Zechariah 14:4, in 1 Thessalonians we meet the Lord in the air to be with Him. These events are in the air and not on the earth nor with the expectation of being on earth.
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2 Thessalonians 1:4-10
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I believe Paul in these verses is giving a general overview of God’s retribution and righteous judgment. He is comforting the Thessalonians who have suffered. Chapter 2 is more specific and detailed to events surrounding, the Rapture, the Tribulation and Antichrist. V5 is speaking of sanctification and God’s work in preparation for His kingdom. V6 God will repay with tribulation all who are ungodly and oppose the gospel and God’s people. V7-10 is referring to Christ position as judge and returning in judgment. Paul is speaking in a general sense focusing on Christ’s judgment and retribution to comfort the Thessalonians.
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Revelation 13:7-10
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The Saints here in keeping with the teaching of Revelation is referring to the believing Jewish remnant and all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ and the message of the kingom in the Tribulation, Jew and Gentile.
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Revelation 20:4,5
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Here we see all who died for Christ in the Tribulation and those who have come through the Tribulation will reign with Christ in the kingdom. See also Matt. 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27
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Acts 1:11
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As Jesus ascended into Heaven, the angels declares what Zecheriah 14:4 says. The reference here is to the Second Coming of Christ to emancipate Israel and establish His earthly Kingdom. At this time the Disciples were only aware of what the Old Testament declared, Luke 24:45 and Acts 1:6. The Rapture of the Church fits into the mystery of the Church, not revealed until Paul the Apostles made this known to the Disciples, Ephesians 3:1-8 and 2 Peter 3:15-16. The account of the ascension and the return of Christ fits in with the prophecies of the Old Testament looking forward to the return of Christ.
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2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
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Why would they be concerned that the return of Christ has come? If it was the Second Coming they would be in the kingdom. They were concerned that the Rapture had happened, especially their concern for those who died in Christ. They were troubled because they thought they had missed His return and were in the Great Tribulation because they faced persecution at that time. Paul assures them that He had not come yet.
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