October 1, 2001
Lessons for October 14
EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
'No one knows' was Jesus' last word on last things
___1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
___By Pete Freeman
___First Baptist Church, The Woodlands
___The "coming of the Lord" is probably the most debated subject among believers today. Books, tapes and even movies portray an album of eschatological options. Some authors have devised intricate programs associated with the return of Christ. Their thoughts on this subject are accompanied with charts and updated geographical information.
___From what we find in our text today, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, it is obvious the early church possessed a lively interest in this subject. It is easy to understand their concerns about the second coming. They believed Jesus would return just like had ascended into heaven. Yet the "passage of time and the march of events" created questions in their minds.
___Leon Morris says the question occupying their attention most was, "What becomes of believers who die before the second coming?" This led to another question: "Did those who died miss out on their share in the events associated with Jesus' return?"
___It is obvious Paul did not give an exhaustive eschatological explanation to their questions. He did share enough information to help them through their struggle with the death of fellow believers.
___His limited explanation is consistent with the entirety of Scripture. Like Jesus, he shared what he knew about the second coming and the end of the world. He followed the teachings of Jesus. In his Olivet Discourse, Jesus concluded, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).
___The basic truth expressed in this text is that there is hope for people who trust in Jesus! Paul qualifies the Jesus we have hope in. He is the one who literally "died" on the cross for our sins, "rose again" from the dead and who is coming back "with" and "for" those who have trusted him for salvation.
___Simply put, the writer lays out the basic tenets of the gospel. He unapologetically asserts others "have no hope" outside of Jesus Christ. That was true then, and it's still true today.
___For a person to try and construct a well-orchestrated eschatological scheme out of this passage does injustice to the words of Paul. That is not his intent. His intent is to offer hope for grieving believers. All a reader has to do is jump forward to verse 18 in order to see Paul's intent.
___He does elaborate on some of the general facets of the return of Christ, but in a most simplified manner. Note some of those facets: Jesus' return will be a worldwide event (4:16a); the dead in Christ will rise first (4:16b); those alive will join them in the air (4:17a); and the rest of eternal life will begin (4:17b).
___Jesus' return will be a worldwide event. One cannot ignore the obvious usage of terms that express a dramatic experience for the world. We're not talking about an announcement the size of a retraction in the newspaper. We're talking about something on an enormous scale. Jesus, himself, used even more dramatic terms (Matthew 24:27-31).
___The dead in Christ will rise first. Those in the Lord who have previously died will take a place of prominence. This gives order to the resurrection. They will not miss out on this great day. Every believer has already received an invitation for this party.
___Those alive will join them in the air. The phrase "caught up" is widely debated among evangelical Christians. It was translated from the word "rapere" in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible. This led to the word "rapture," first used by dispensationalist theologians in the 19th century. It is a widely used word today and forms the premise of the popular book series, "Left Behind." This view sees the church being "raptured" out of the world prior to the "great tribulation period." Historical premillennialists believe the church will go through the tribulation period. The Disciple's Study Bible states, "The rapture will occur at the same time that Christ comes in his glorious return." Others use the rapture to refer to the general resurrection.
___Is Paul speaking about a secret snatching away? I don't think so. This is the only place in New Testament where Paul spoke of the idea of rapture. Even here, there is no evidence of a secret kind of event. Some have found places in the Bible to inject the idea of a secret rapture, but only after they stretch the meaning of this text and have capitulated their thinking to some sort of pet theory. I think believers will be left behind to be witnesses to the world.
___No matter what our view on this matter, tolerance, not dogmatism, must characterize our relationships with whom we differ.
___The rest of eternal life will begin. "And so we will be with the Lord forever" is another statement of hope for Christians. Scripture teaches eternal life began in each of us when we invited the Eternal One into our lives. Therefore, eternal life is already at operation in us; reflecting shadows of the eternal in our lifestyle. When we die or if we're alive when he returns, the rest of eternal life will begin.
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