I Thessalonians: Eschatology.

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14 (ESV)

I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 considers the doctrine of eschatology; the doctrine of the last things. The word eschatology comes from a combination of Greek words meaning “the study of last things. The study of the last things includes physical death, the intermediate state, the afterlife, judgment, the millennium, heaven, and hell. Eschatology also refers to the time of Jesus’ second coming.

The Apostle Paul left the Thessalonian church when he was forced to flee persecution by unbelieving Jews (Acts 17:1–10). Thereafter, confusion arose among the believers regarding the return of Jesus Christ. This bewilderment resulted in many of the Thessalonian Christians mourning deceased loved ones like the unconverted—to mourn as if they had no hope for heaven (1 Thess. 4:13).

Therefore, Paul included in his first letter to the Thessalonians information about death and the afterlife. He did not want them to hopelessly grieve. Paul understood believers rightly mourn when loved ones die.

Augustine of Hippo wrote, “It is unavoidable, after all, that you should be saddened; but when you feel sad, let hope console you.”

Biblical eschatology is rooted and grounded in biblical soteriology; the doctrine of salvation. Central to salvation is the person and work of Jesus Christ and specifically, the bodily resurrection of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 (ESV) says, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, ² and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. ³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

Paul told the Thessalonians that “since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” The apostle’s promise was believer’s in heaven would accompany the Lord Jesus when He returned to earth in power, might and glory.  

“Paul provides teaching on the basic elements of Christian eschatology—the doctrine of the last things. He begins in today’s passage by stating the core eschatological truth that “Jesus died and rose again” (v. 14). We often think that the doctrine of the last things has to do with things that are yet to occur, and indeed, much eschatological teaching does address those kinds of issues,” explains Dr. R.C. Sproul.  

“However, we must remember that the last days actually began with the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Acts 2:14–36, Peter tells us explicitly that the last days began when Christ died and rose again. Paul calls Jesus “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” in 1 Corinthians 15:20. That is to say, the final resurrection actually began when Jesus defeated death and left the tomb. It has not yet occurred for the rest of His people, but His resurrection guarantees our resurrection if we trust in Him. A day is coming when “many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake” (Dan. 12:2), but Jesus has already been raised as the proof and surety of the resurrection of His people.”

Paul stressed God would bring “through Jesus” those who had fallen asleep or who died (1 Thess. 4:14). The perspective is when Christ returns, those who have died in union with Him will not miss the eschatological blessings that Jesus brings. Therefore, Christians do not have to worry their Christian loved ones who are dead would not receive the same glorification as the Christians who are still alive when Jesus returns.

“Whether we die before Christ returns or are still living when He comes, we will receive the glory God has promised to His people (2 Tim. 4:8),” states Dr. Sproul.

John Calvin writes, “To sleep in Christ is to retain in death the connection we have with Christ, for those that are by faith ingrafted into Christ have death in common with Him that they may be partakers with Him of life. It is asked, however, whether unbelievers will not also rise again, for Paul does not affirm there will be a resurrection, except in the case of Christ’s members. I answer that Paul does not here touch upon anything but what suited his present design. For he did not design to terrify the wicked, but to correct the immoderate grief of the pious and to cure it, as he does by the medicine of consolation.”  

The return of Christ has always been immanent (2 Peter 3:8-10). The church has been living in the last days since the death and resurrection of Christ. Therefore, Jesus could return at any moment, so believers need to be ready for His return. We prepare ourselves for His return by looking forward to His coming glory, living holy lives, remembering all who are in Jesus will receive ultimate approval through Him, and by sharing the gospel.

May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord looking forward to His soon return. Perhaps today!

Soli deo Gloria!