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NASB | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; |
Subject: what does the scripture 1 Thes 4:16 mean |
Bible Note: Dear Muffy….Perhaps an analogy would help to understand this passage. You and your friends all decide to go to a ball game. As you enter the arena an usher gives each of you a ticket for a drawing that will be held at the end of the game for a great prize. None of you have been taught that all the tickets are winning tickets. But as the game goes on and on, some of your friends get tired and leave the arena. But, you worry, what of their drawing tickets? Can they still win even though they are not present? That is the question that is put to Paul by these Christians. Paul writes to the Thessalonians to assure them about their friends and family who die before the parousia, or rapture. These Christians, like Paul, looked forward to the rapture within their lifetimes and were worried that they would miss the victory and glory of the Lord’s return if they died first. However if we die first what matter is it really? Our “tickets” are not only still good, but we will rise first to meet the Lord. Note that Paul never set a date for this cosmic event yet he certainly wanted it sooner rather than later. The Thessalonians, like all Christians today, do not need to worry. One way or another, we will be there with our bodies to see the victory. Praise God. God Bless….Jensen |