by Timothy W. Burnett
To �sleep� is often figuratively used for death. It�s a perfect figure because we are promised resurrection from the dead, which means that we will some day wake up from the sleep.
It�s interesting to note that this area never uses the word resurrection. The word is also never used in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. It does say that we will be �changed.� It was translated from the Greek word allaso which meant to change, transform or exchange. Based on verses 53-54, our bodies will change or be transformed into new bodies. It could be said that we will exchange our old bodies for new and glorious bodies.
The references to a moment and the twinkling of an eye are descriptions of time. The word moment was translated from the Greek word atomos. Many readers will recognize that in our word �atom.� It refers to something so small or short that it can not be divided. The body exchange will occur in an atomic second. It will be as fast as that brief moment when our eye lids pop closed to protect our pupils like a twinkling eye. Isn�t that such a beautiful description? The twinkling eye perfectly drives in the relationship with God�s ability to completely protect us from harm.
The references to the sounds of the trumpet are about a fanfare. In most cases, truly spiritual fanfares occur in significant celestial events. There is little more information about the fanfares. God had a reason for not giving more details about that. Maybe He knows how desperate we are to predict and forecast future events.
It says the �dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.� It is significant that God distinguishes between the two. The next two verses will help to understand this better, �For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, �Death is swallowed up in victory.��
The dead bodies are paralleled with the corruptible bodies, and the living �we� bodies are paralleled with the mortal bodies. It says, �...we shall be changed.� This is directly related to the reference to �mortal bodies putting on immortal bodies.� In contrast, dead bodies are corrupted, and by logical reasoning, must put on incorruptible bodies that are living again. Both will be given new bodies that will never die again.
The words in verse 52 chronologically match the information from 1Thessalonians 4:13-18. It puts the dead being raised incorruptible before the living mortal being changed into immortal. It says in 1Thessalonians 4:15, ��that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.� To �prevent� meant to come before something else in order of events.
Isn�t it fantastic how God�s word fits together like a hand in a perfectly fit glove!
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