I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who sleep, that you not grieve, as the rest also, not having hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you in the Word of the Lord, that we the living who remain to the coming of the Lord will not at all go before those who have fallen asleep. Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet. And the dead in Christ will rise again first. Then we who remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to a meeting with the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. So, then, comfort each other with these words.
Looking for the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who also said, Men, Galileans, why do you stand looking up to the heaven? This Jesus, the One being taken from you into the heaven, will come in the way you saw Him going into the heaven.
Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it was not yet revealed what we shall be. But we know that if He is revealed, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone having this hope on Him purifies himself even as that One is pure.
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf, men fainting from fear, and expectation of the things coming on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and much glory. Dan. 7:13 But these things beginning to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
For the rest, the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me in that Day, and not only to me, but also to all the ones loving His appearance. So also you, when you see all these things, know that it is near at the doors.
Do not let your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. But if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you! And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.
