¹⁵ For this we say to you ^(A)by the word of the Lord, that ^(B)we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are ^[a]asleep. ¹⁶ For ^(C)the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with ^(D)the trumpet of God. ^(E)And the dead in Christ will rise first. ^17 (F)Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ^(G)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus ^(H)we shall always be with the Lord. ^18 (I)Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Not Carnality but Christ

3 If then you were ^(A)raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, ^(B)where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the ^(C)earth. ^3 (D)For you died, ^(E)and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

⁹ For they themselves declare concerning us ^(A)what manner of entry we had to you, ^(B)and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and ^(C)to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us ^(D)from the wrath to come.