The Apostles used the Old Testament Scriptures to preach the Gospel.

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:28)

Nowhere in the Old Testament (or in the New) is there any suggestion that the purpose of salvation is to bring the worshiper to Paradise to live forever in a mansion. The Old Testament taught the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth, the supremacy of the nation of Israel, God's blessing on the righteous, and the punishment of the wicked. The world shall be governed from Jerusalem and all nations will be compelled to obey the laws of God.

The believers of Thessalonica were hoping for the coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth. They were looking for the Lord Jesus to return and establish the kingdom of righteousness promised in the Scriptures.

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (II Peter 3:13)

Righteous people living on a new earth.

The idea that we are saved to live forever in the spirit Paradise was not known to the believers in Thessalonica. Eternal residence in Heaven was never taught by the Apostles. The teaching of eternal residence in Heaven was added after the death of the Apostles.

As long as we view the purpose of the Christian salvation as eternal residence in Heaven it is impossible to understand the Scriptures. As soon as the believer views the purpose of being saved as enabling people to enter the righteous Kingdom of God, the whole Bible will begin to be understandable, not just a few "promises" here and there.

If eternal residence in Heaven were the goal of salvation the believers of Thessalonica would not have been so concerned about their deceased friends. Paul would have said, "Do not be concerned about the dead believers. They are alive with Jesus and walking on the streets of Paradise. When you die you will see them again and enjoy fellowship in the heavenly mansions."

What did he say?

"I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

Do you see they were not grieving about eternal residence in Heaven? Their hope was to be saved when the Lord returns in His Kingdom and they were not certain that their Christian friends who had passed away would be with them to celebrate that glorious event.

We can already understand from our study that it is indefensible to use Paul's words to support a pre-tribulation catching up of believers for the purpose of escaping Antichrist and the great tribulation. The passage has nothing whatever to do with what is preached today as a "rapture." If there is to be an any-moment pre-tribulation "rapture" of the saints, it assuredly is not taught in the passage under consideration.

To be continued.