One of the Most Comforting Passages in the Bible

Thinking about 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Photo by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash

The message of the Bible is a message full of hope.

Paul reminded the Christians in Thessalonica of their hope in Jesus Christ.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 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 asleep. 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. 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. 

Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Death is referred to as falling asleep. Why? Because it’s a reminder that death is not the end. Someone who sleeps will wake up.

The Christians in Thessalonica were apparently concerned that their brothers and sisters in Christ who had died would miss out on Jesus’ return. Paul comforted them by explaining that the dead would be raised to meet the Lord when He returns.

This passage is so comforting because it teaches us that not even death will keep the Christian from being with the Lord forever.

You can have comfort, even in the face of death, because our Lord Jesus Christ will destroy death and win the victory (1 Corinthians 15:26, 54-57).