1 Thessalonians 4:16,17

Paul's Description of the Second Coming

Paul described the Lord's second coming with quick, powerful words. He said the Lord will come down from heaven in a way that will cause all on earth to be able to see him (Revelation 1:7). As He descends, He will give a shout, which Kelcy says is a cry of command, perhaps for the dead to come forth. McGarvey suggests the archangel will then call for all of the angels to perform their various duties (Matthew 13:41-43). At about the same time, a trumpet will sound, which may serve as an announcement of the king's coming. Perhaps as a result of the cry and/or the trumpet, the dead saints will rise from the grave first. Then, the living saints will be caught up into the air with them. All of the saints, both dead and living, will then rise to meet the Lord in the air. From that point forward, there will be no more separation of the saints from the Lord. Instead, they will be in His presence where they have so fervently wished to be (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23).