Let Us Not Be Ignorant!

The text of this article is taken from a personal Bible study of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, using the Authorised (King James) Version of the Bible – that is to say, the study was not intended to be shared with my congregation because it was personal to me. It has remained that way  all through the years until now. My original study came about because there seemed to be so many schools of thought concerning end time events, and I did not want to be ignorant of the truth (nor, it seems, did Paul want us to be ignorant!)  – that is why I used the “question and answer” method,  coupled with a simple interpretation of “what the Bible says”, which I find the most helpful in situations like this. I have kept the original format in this article, although I have used the words “we” and “us” in place of “I” and “me”, because I am sharing what was personal with the whole world after nearly fifty years!

The text studied I set out here in full:  

1. Here Paul is giving one of his many descriptions of end time events.

2. He specifically wants us to understand his words – I would not have you to be ignorant, he says.

3. These words are a comfort for the bereaved – that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope, he says.  (see note 24)

4. What does Paul mean when he refers to them which are asleep?

5. Sleep here refers to “death”.

6. It must mean “body death” because the body dies at death.

7. It cannot mean “soul sleep” because  the soul does not die.

8. Is there any scripture to support this?

9. This clearly refers to the body which does sleep in the dust of the earth until the resurrection of the body.

10. Only the body dies at physical death, and only the body goes into the grave to await physical resurrection.

11. So what happens to the soul when the body “sleeps” (dies)?

12. It does not “sleep” with the body.

13. This scripture illustrates two truths –

14. This would suggest that Christians at death go immediately to heaven to await the resurrection of their “sleeping” bodies.

15. This is why Paul exhorts Christians to “sorrow not” – the “others who have no hope” must refer to non-Christians: non-believers in Christ.

16. Paul writes – if we believe Jesus died and rose again – it is necessary to believe in both His death and resurrection. His death without the resurrection would have achieved nothing!

17. It is both which gives the Christian his “hope”.

18. The death of Jesus Christ is the assurance of salvation for all who will believe.

19. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the assurance of salvation for all men (believers and non-believers alike).

20. The remaining verses in this passage outline the actual order of events as it will affect “them also which sleep in Jesus” and “we which are alive and remain”.

21. This personal study is not to argue any particular “school of thought”.

22. It is all a matter of interpretation, anyway, brought together under either the “Futurist”  theory or the “Historicist” theory.

[It should be noted that notes 21 and 22 above were directed to myself in the original study. Incidentally, I recognise that there are a few more “...ists” around, than just these two, because there are more than just two schools of thought on the subject. I present the order as outlined in the Bible and leave the reader to make up his or her mind as to which school of thought he or she should subscribe – but please read the closing paragraph of this article; it is most important!]

23. What are the events – in order – outlined in this passage?

24. This series of events is intended to provide comfort for everyone, especially for any who are bereaved, but not necessarily exclusively for the bereaved.

25.  Presumably this means that the “souls” which have been “asleep in Jesus” are at this point reunited with their resurrected bodies.  (see note 14)

26. The phrase “in the clouds” suggests to us (if we accept the clouds as literal) that this event will be hidden from the sight of the world.

27. What is the most important truth revealed in this passage?

28. It is not the order of end time events!

29. It is not the method or operation of those events!

30. The key verse is verse 14 – “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again”.

31. Paul emphasises the importance of believing and accepting both the death and the resurrection of Jesus through his writings.

32. I believe and accept both!

33. Do you believe and accept both?

34. Is there a verse from Paul’s writings that can sum up this important truth in one sentence?

With the exception of note 33, which has been added especially for this article, the rest appear here as in the original study (with the slight change mentioned in the opening paragraph). Upon reflection, and to answer anyone who may be questioning why I have shared this personal study with the world after nearly fifty years, I believe it may be as a result of my own bereavement. In March 2009 my dear wife, May, went to be with the Lord – we had been married for almost 57 years – and I found comfort from this study. That is probably why I am sharing it, to help anyone who is reading it who is also passing through a time of bereavement.

Now for that final paragraph which I especially asked you to read because it is important.

There are many schools of thought concerning end time events, and followers of each “school” hold such strong views (they are right, everyone else is wrong), that there are occasions when there is conflict between the groups. “I am a Futurist ... I am a Historicist ... I am a Pre-Millennialist ... I am a Post-Millennialist ... I am an A-Millenialist ... And so on. This is so sad, especially when they get so “hot under the collar” if others do not agree with them. So let me tell you what I am, and I guarantee no one will argue with me.  I am a Pan-Millenialist!  None of us can be 100% sure which of the “...ists” are right, which is why I am what I am! What is important is that I hold on to two vital truths – (1) That I believe Jesus Christ is coming again, because He has promised He would; and (2) I must be ready spiritually for when He does come.  With these two truths firmly adhered to in my life I have every confidence that everything will pan out all right in the end – so that’s why I am a Pan-Millenialist and I will not let myself be ignorant!

© 2009Denis A. Wheadon. All rights reserved. Website: http://www.Pen4God.co.uk. This document is the property of the Author and
must not be displayed on any other websites without permission. Copies may be downloaded and printed for personal use only. Any contact with
the writer or comments concerning an article, can be made by email addressed to: denis.wheadon@Pen4God.co.uk