- Eschatology – the study of death, judgment, and the end times
- Build your eschatology on Scripture instead of stories or speculation.
#1. Death Is Not the End (4:13-14)
- The Bible describing death as sleep reveals how temporal a reality it is.
- It is appropriate to grieve when life is lost, but it is necessary to grieve well.
- The gospel ensures that we will see those asleep in Christ awakened again.
#2. Jesus Is Coming Back (4:15-16)
- Our hope for the future comes from reliable promises in God’s Word.
- “Rapture” – comes from the Latin translation (rapturo) of the Greek word (harpazo) that Paul uses to describe being “caught up” or “taken.”
- Those who are asleep will not be at any disadvantage when Christ comes back.
- Jesus has promised He will abruptly return; we should require no other warning.
#3. Restoration Is Fully Guaranteed (4:17-18)
- We will be assembled one day with all believers for all time.
- Relational reunions are rightly anticipated, but dwelling with Jesus forever is the unrivaled treasure of eternity.
- We need regular encouragement that this life isn’t it.