“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” ─1 Thessalonians 4:16
There are so many things in the Bible that are clearly defined; and yet there are mysteries that only God holds the answers to and He simply lets our faith speculate on His majesty. This, I personally believe.
I believe that in that exact moment when the trumpet sounds and the graves begin to burst open that the dead in Christ will become instantly whole. Knowing that with God all things are possible; I believe that the “dust to dust” (Psalm 104:29) will come full circle─with every particle assembling to the original creation, awakened, and anticipating meeting their Creator. Scattered ashes will come to form. The seas will give up the tossed and torn. Painful memories will be no more─as those who have died of dreadful means will instantly have all of their created being─“in a twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:52).
Holding on to this amazing reality, brings a precious memory of a young man who lost his life in the Vietnam combat. To imagine that in less time than it takes to smile; this young soldier will be standing tall once more to walk through heaven’s gates and bow before our heavenly Father. This miracle will unfold for untold numbers that lost Christian loved ones.
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Generations have come and gone that never had the probability of being the generation that lives to see one of the concluding finales of our infinite and wonderful God. In the writings/sermons of the profound preachers in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s (and even in the old hymns) you can almost sense that they knew Christ’s return was not in their era. They proclaimed Christ’s return and were relentless in their calling of grace and repentance, but often spoke of “someday” or “one day.” Countless souls are at rest today because of their persuasion and passion.
Christians of this generation do not hold that same consensus of someday, but rather soon─if not today. Beyond the inevitable signs, the longing, and the peculiar expectancy, the reality is that there is nothing prophetically left to happen and not much more could happen before the Father says enough. His promises echo, “Behold, I come quickly” (Revelation 3:11).
How can one live today and not believe that it is almost over?
Over, for the Christian to receive the second most amazing gift from Christ─eternal life and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Over, for the lost soul without Christ─a merciless tribulation will follow and ultimately eternal sorrow.
However, before the “over”─the first supreme gift is still offered, still free and so simple to receive. Just breathe his name: Jesus, and you will know Him too.