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NASB | 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord! [John 14:3; 1 Cor 15:52; 2 Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23; Col 3:4] |
Subject: Rapture |
Bible Note: Well, thanks CDBJ, thats very well said. But I don't really see in there that that proves that theory. I don't mean to sound flip, sir, but, using that logic and, saying that: "When Paul uses the words “they and them” he is referring to those outside of Christ or those that don’t obey the gospel message." Well, sir, verse 2, looks to me like it may contradict that. It says: "For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." Paul is quite obviously talking to them (the Church) because he addresses them very plainly and personally as, you, and yourselves. I don't see how that can be taken that Paul is referring to those 'outside' of Christ, when he says that they: "know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night." What Paul is ultimately telling them is, to be spiritually ready, and never tells them when nor does it say 'when' anywhere in Scripture when the day of the Lord will be. He goes on in verse 3 etc, to show them how it will be for those outside of the Church, because for them it will indeed be a terrible day, but for the Church, it will be a day of rejoicing in His coming. I kinda like what Matthew Henry has to say on vv 1-5 it really says it well and gives a good perspective on whether we should be so engrossed and predisposed in looking for the DAY of the Lord, when we should be focussed only on the Lord Himself: "It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons for us to work in, and these are our duty and interest to know and observe; but as to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should. The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Our Lord himself said so. As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. Christ's coming will be terrible to the ungodly. Their destruction will overtake them while they dream of happiness, and please themselves with vain amusements. There will be no means to escape the terror or the punishment of that day. This day will be a happy day to the righteous. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light. It is the happy condition of all true Christians. But how many are speaking peace and safety to themselves, over whose heads utter destruction is hovering! Let us endeavor to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies." Matthew Henry And now sir, I bid you adieu and God bless. You may have the last word, but I'll let it just be. I don't really see anything substantive about these long deadened discussions about Eschatology. Scripture simply doesn't say when, and I think we should leave it at that, but it does say to be spiritually ready at all times so that we will be waiting for His coming and not overtaken by fear when He does come. Of corse, there always will be those who say they know the time, or how you can know the time, but actually, they just think they know. Thanks for your time, sir. :-) John |