If we take each point, line upon line, from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, about the coming of the Lord and the resurrection and rapture, I believe you and I will arrive at a common understanding.
If we stay right here in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 to establish the first two foundational points of understanding, we will be well on our way. After all, this is the heart of the rapture doctrine, right here.
I challenge you Doug, and everyone reading this thread, to work with me through these two verses of scripture, to establish a common understanding of what Paul says, concerning the resurrection and rapture.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [
d]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Here are the key points to consider, in these verses:
- that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
- the dead in Christ will rise first.
- Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Paul is teaching the Church, that at the coming of the Lord, the dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are still alive and remain on earth, with be caught up together with them, in the clouds, to be with the Lord in the air.
Do you agree or disagree with my above statement about these two verses of scripture?
JLB