1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 English Standard Version
15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
This has been used many times in reference to His Second Coming. It is without a doubt the desire of all of us who want to be with the Lord. As we discussed previously how does this fit into the vision for the hope of all creation? This is just a portion of creation, where is the completion of the promise for all creation here?
Does His descending equal touchdown? A cry of command is given. What is His command that we cannot refuse? It does not say and each of us has a hope of what is to be heard and obeyed. Since it is not for private interpretation, what else is in play at this time?
Consider this, the very next chapter begins with this phrase, “Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers”. Times and seasons, not a singular event being addressed but now adding to the previous prophecy, another concerning the Day of the Lord. Are they connected?
Returning to the opening verse we will see, a command, an archangel’s voice and a trumpet blast. That is three separate things and should be considered as they relate to this event and how it all plays out for all creation.
One line of scripture does not explain everything.