I Thessalonians 4:16
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”
This is part of the gospel, “good news”. The fact that we will live after death. The Spirit will raise us from the dead, just as He did for Jesus. We sense that there is life after death, as God put that in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Yet, we know we are fallen and unsure what’s on the other side.
The first half of the “Good News” is that Jesus died for our sins and has made a way to God (John 3:16). When we accept this forgiveness and begin to follow Him we experience the life of God here on earth. He becomes a Father to us. It’s like water to a dry plant. I Peter 1:8 says he gives us “joy unspeakable and full of glory”. He gives us an abundant life here on earth.
Today’s passage deals with the beyond. The Thessalonians weren’t sure about this. Paul gives some insight. It’s in the context of the rapture. The rapture is when Jesus takes His children to heaven before they have a chance to die. Paul will introduce that in a few verses; We’ll focus on that in a few days.
Adam and Eve spoiled the plan God had for humanity. Thus began a multi-thousand year campaign to enact a repair. Which involved Jesus to sacrifice Himself. Redemption begins when we accept Christ. However, because death was introduced, our time on earth isn’t the way it was supposed to be. We still have our mortal bodies which are depressed, broken and are prone to sin. The Lord helps us cope. However, there is more once our bodies expire.
After death the Lord brings us into His kingdom immediately. Jesus illustrated that on the cross. The thief beside Him asked for forgiveness. Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Once we pass on we awake in heaven.
Lord, thank You for the hope of heaven. Thank You for the foretaste of it, here on earth.