1 Thessalonians 4:14 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.
This verse is a good summary of essential Christian beliefs. It has three key points focused on Jesus Christ. The verse is structures as a conditional sentence. The first two points of the creed form the protasis (“if”) and the third point is the apodosis (“then”). If the first two are true, and they are, then the last is also true. The Thessalonians had come to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. They had placed their hope in this. Based on this premise of faith, their faith should lead to the hope that Jesus would return and those who died believing in him will also accompany him. This verse should answer any fears or doubts that the Thessalonians had.
Jesus’ death was the essential event that provided atonement for human sin. His resurrection over came death, which holds the power of sin. By overcoming death, Jesus overcame sin. His death and resurrection open the way to eternal life. This is essential Christian faith and the gospel in summary form. Paul then shows how these two events guarantee the last event of Jesus’ second coming with believers who have died. It will be a great resurrection event. The verb will lead (axei) can also be translated as to bring. Verses 15-16 give further insight into how Jesus will bring the dead believers with him. God is the primary actor in all these events. Paul emphasizes particularly God’s part in the return of Jesus and the resurrection of believers. These are fundamental beliefs for us to hold dear in our hearts. The answer to grief is our hope of Jesus’ coming again when death will be done away with forever.
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