"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.(v.14) for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.(v.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.(v.16) for The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.(v.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."
Praise God for such a clear statement... of what is to take place at a certain future time ! Here is further mention of the forthcoming Rapture of The Church. According to the book of Revelation, the whole world is to go through a period of 'Great Tribulation'. This is where the Wrath Of God is outpoured on an unbelieving and rebellious world. Can it be the Grace, Mercy and Justice of God To have His Own believing Church go through all of that ??? Of course, nothing is as simple as it first appears, so the Gospel is preached during this time of judgement and people are converted.! Man delights in 'labels' and there are the pre-trib.;mid-trib;,and post-trib.; schools of theology. All these have something to say. As we keep our focus on eternal issues we will not be taken by suprise when The Lord comes as a 'thief in the night !!!!
May The Lord Bless you.