Following Jesus 176

The Celestial City: Finally Home.

The first question posed in I Thessalonians 4:13-18 is what is the future for the dead in Christ? Vs. 13-14. (For those for whom their earthly pilgrimage has ended; i.e. for those Christians who have already physically died).

To begin with, the living are not to grieve as those with no hope. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who fallen asleep.”

The second question is as follows: What events will occur at the return of Christ? Vs. 15-17. (Not only for the dead in Christ, but also for the living in Christ).

The third question is what should followers of Jesus presently be doing for one another in anticipation of the return of Christ? Vs. 18. (For those whose earthly pilgrimage continues).

Therefore encourage one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:18). In light of what has been said, God commands to church to comfort each believer in Christ with these words of encouragement. How do we do this?

• Comfort each other with the promise from God that He will resurrect the dead in Christ unto eternal life.

• Comfort each other with the promise from God that when Christ comes the living will be reunited with their loved ones.

• Comfort each other with the promise from God that all followers of Jesus will be eternally with the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is member supported and operates only by your faithful support. Thank you.