¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(A) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(B) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(C) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(D) and with the trumpet call of God,^(E) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(F) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(G) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(H) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(I) forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another^(J) with these words.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(A) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(B) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(C) 3} For you died,^(D) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(A) to God from idols^(B) to serve the living and true God,^{(C) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(D) whom he raised from the dead^(E)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(F)