THE LORD’S COMING. 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 The teaching about the coming of the Lord was introduced in Matthew by the Lord Himself shortly before His death. The general coming, which includes both the imminent return of the Lord for the church and His appearance in glory to reign as King, was presented to prevent the deceptive efforts of false messiahs trying to gain followers. When the disciples were troubled the night of His betrayal, the Lord comforted them by promising to return and take them to a prepared place for a prepared people. Some had claimed that the resurrection had already happened. To clarify the truth and maintain the sense of urgency about Christ's return, Paul taught the fact and order of His coming in 1st Corinthians 15 and then again to the Thessalonians. This teaching would settle any doubts or denials that it would even happen. Believers who die before the Lord's return are not lost.
When the Lord Christ comes again, the dead in Christ will rise first, and living believers will be instantly transformed; however, more importantly, it’s crucial to understand why Paul wrote this to the Thessalonian believers. They either misunderstood the timing and teaching about Jesus’ return or were worried about believers who had already died. They wondered what would happen to them. Paul was concerned about their confidence and comfort. He wanted them to know that death is not the end of our life’s story. The transition from this life into eternity needed to be clearly explained to them. All believers, whether alive or dead, will be reunited, and our earthly bodies will be transformed into bodies fit for glory.