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All Bible-believers agree that Christ will come again. But there is much confusion about the events that will accompany His coming. What does the Bible say?
The first thing that will happen when Christ comes is that all the dead shall be raised:
The hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear His voice and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment (John 5:28–29).
Notice that all, good and evil, are raised simultaneously; there is no room for a “rapture” or a “thousand-year reign” between a first and second resurrection. When is “the hour” that “all” shall be raised? “In Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:22–23). Some argue that only the resurrection of Christians is mentioned here. True, but Paul is writing only to them and discussing what will affect them when Christ comes. To say that the saints will be raised when Christ appears in no way negates the resurrection of non-saints at the same time, especially when Jesus plainly places them at the same time. The time of resurrection is taught again: “For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 The. 4:16). Again, only the “dead in Christ” are mentioned, but again, Paul is addressing only the saints and what they shall experience. “But” some argue, “Paul says the saints shall rise first.” True, but first, not in relation to non-saints, but in relation to living saints (v. 17). Then both groups of saints will be caught up to be with the Lord. Remember, whenever any are raised, all will be (John 5:28–29). Some will be raised when Christ comes, therefore all will then be raised.
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in the “Bible Thoughts” Column for the Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, May 15, 1977.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
