1 Thessalonians 4:13 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
This particular passage down through verse 18 is, for the believer, a very comforting passage. Paul is encouraging the Christians concerning the sudden catching away of the saints in the moment and the twinkling of an eye. There will be no warning, no chance to prepare, and no mistakes on God’s part concerning who is taken. Only the “born again” Christians will be caught up and all others left behind to enter into what is called “The Great Tribulation.”
This catching away is described in verses 14-17, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, (that’s the key to getting to go) even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” That is as plain as the nose on your face. God will remove his own from this earth before he unleashes his undiluted wrath upon a world of unregenerate people who refuse to repent and turn to him. Jesus himself said “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”(Luke 13:3).
This miraculous deliverance for the children of God is called the “Rapture,” and all truly born again believers are excitedly anticipating this great instantaneous home going. The signs of the times are everywhere and the return of Christ is very near.
In verse 18, the final verse of our text, Paul says “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” As we look upon all that is happening in the world, we are watching the prophecies of the Bible being fulfilled right before our very eyes. Jesus said in Luke 21:28 “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” What a comfort to know that God will deliver his children from the wrath to come! Are you ready?