I have always believed that the second coming of Jesus Christ could happen at any time. There are those who maintain that there are various biblical prophecies that must be fulfilled first, but others insist that that it could be understood that these prophecies have already been fulfilled. The Bible seems to give the readers the impression that Jesus could return in their lifetime, therefore, we must always remain diligent, watching and praying. It seems that the next great event on God’s calendar is when Jesus returns to earth to gather his church to himself.

1 Thess.4:13-18 addresses the return of Jesus. The believers at Thessalonica had some incorrect beliefs about the second coming. Paul wrote to them to supply them with important information so they would not be uninformed about this critical teaching.

Apparently, they were under the impression that none of them would die before Jesus returned. Since some of them had indeed passed away, they were concerned that those believers who had died would miss out on the blessings that were promised to God’s people at the end of time. Or perhaps they were worried that the teaching about the second coming was flawed since some believers had died. Paul assures them that this was not the case.

Believers who are still alive at the time of Christ’s return will not have any advantage over those who have died, or “fallen asleep”. In fact, the dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive and in Christ will be caught up in the air to meet the Lord. Verses 17b-18 finish out the chapter with these words: “…And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”

How encouraging these words are! There will indeed come a time when Jesus returns for his church! Not even death can separate us from the love of God! No one who is in Christ will miss out on the blessing of eternal life! How encouraging indeed!

While the word “heaven” is not found in this passage, the concept certainly is. We will be with the Lord! That is what heaven truly is. We often anticipate the pearly gates and streets of gold, but the truly magnificent aspect about heaven is that we will be in the presence of Jesus!

There is a current song that rejoices in the fact that “heaven changes everything”. When Jesus returns to gather his church, every negative situation that believers have faced will be forever changed. Any hurt or disappointment you have endured on earth will disappear! To think that the greatest pain in your life will be forever taken away is a tremendously encouraging thought! Rev.21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”

All of this will occur when Jesus returns. Let us encourage one another with that truth.