Thessalonians is written to the Church of God all of those in the body of Christ.
This section in
1Thessalonians 4:13 -
18 is addressing the brethren (believers) in the body …. those
in Christ whether asleep (dead) or still living. This does not pertain to anyone else prior to the new covenant which was instituted on Pentecost….
No Old Testament believers, including Israel, and no unbelievers during this administration (dispensation) of grace. It is only referencing those who were/are born again since Pentecost both dead and alive. (The one new man, the body of Christ.)
This is not referred to as a resurrection since some will still be alive…. it is the
gathering together (aka rapture) The resurrection of the just and unjust takes place later in Revelation, when Jesus comes and physically sets foot on the earth at the mount.
We (believers) will not be around (in our physical bodies) for the “day of the Lord” or “Lords day” (which is collectively how the book of Revelation is referred to.)
The gathering together (rapture) is the culmination of this administration (dispensation) of grace …at which time (technically) is the beginning of the Day of the Lord.
1Th 4:13 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.
1Th 4:14 For if "we" believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep “in Jesus” will God bring with him.
The words
in Jesus or
in Christ (verse 16) is who this is written to (born again believers)
1Th 4:15 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 precede them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 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:
There are a number of differences for this entrance as compared to when Christ comes as King of Kings.
(Mat 24:31) Herewe have one archangel with a shout … with God blowing the trumpet. More than one angel(s) blowing the trumpet in Matthew_ 24
1Th 4:17 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.
Notice the pronouns…
we are caught up together with
them (the dead in Christ)
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Additionally …..The alive, or those living do not die….. we are changed
1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.