In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15:52)

The resurrection and ascension of First Thessalonians, Chapter Four and First Corinthians, Chapter Fifteen compose the first resurrection from the dead. There can be no ascension before the resurrection, and there can be no resurrection from the dead before the "first" resurrection (of Revelation 20:4-6) because that would be a contradiction in terms.

Also, according to the Scripture, there can be no resurrection after the first resurrection until the thousand-year period has been concluded. Therefore, I Thessalonians 4:16, I Corinthians 15:52, and Revelation 20:4-6 are all referring to the same event.

If one interprets Paul as meaning all who make a profession of Christ will take part in I Thessalonians 4:16 and I Corinthians 15:52, then all the believers in Christ already have, by virtue of their profession of faith, attained the first resurrection from the dead.

If such were the case, the second and third chapters of the Book of Revelation would have little meaning. They would be idle words.

The error in understanding arises from the difference between what Paul meant by the "dead in Christ" and what we mean today by the dead in Christ. Because of the current misunderstanding of Paul's teaching concerning the grace of God in Christ, particularly his teaching in Chapters Three through Five of the Book of Romans, we have come to believe to be "in Christ" means to make a profession of belief in the facts concerning Christ's atoning death and bodily resurrection.

The truth is, Paul taught vigorously that Christians who practice sin cannot enter the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21; and many other such admonitions).

The writings of the Apostles reveal that their concept of what it means to be "in Christ" was substantially different from what we mean today by being "saved." The normal expectation (of the Apostles), which is our reasonable, proper Divine service, is that we present our body a living sacrifice to the Lord.

Total consecration is required of the Christian disciple. The Lord Jesus demands, according to the Gospel accounts, that the disciple lay down his life, take up his cross, and follow Him. This is what it means to be a Christian.

It appears there are not many scriptural Christians in the Christian churches!

It indeed is a fact that every true saint, every true member of the Body of Christ, will be raised at the coming of the Lord. But do you remember what the Lord Jesus said to the Christians in Sardis? "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis." A "few names," a few members of the Christian church of Sardis whom the Lord found worthy to walk with Him in the white robes of righteousness.

To be continued.