Worship: Sundays at 8:15 am | 9:40 am | 11:00 am, Wednesdays at 6:35 pm, Fridays at 7:00 pm

Those Who Have Fallen Asleep

We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him (I Thess 4:14).

This verse and a few succeeding verses might suggest that Paul believes there is a "waiting period" between the time when someone dies and when Christ returns and "the dead in Christ rise." 

Let me be as clear as I can be, for this is of significant concern for all of us who have had loved ones die.  There is NO waiting period.  Jesus made it clear when he spoke to the thief on the Cross:  "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

Immediately when a Christ follower dies, her/his Spirit goes to heaven to be with God, and with the Ascended Christ.  Immediately, or in the case of persons with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, we might imagine that the soul has gone on ahead even before the body dies (that's just my speculation, along with several of you with whom I have spoken).

The "confusion" here comes from the Christian teaching of a "bodily resurrection" when our bodies will rise with the return of Christ.  I'll confess that this is a teaching that is difficult for me to comprehend, so we will move into it slowly in the coming days.  

Love and prayers, 

Dan
Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Ave | Gainesville, FL 32653
352.376.6615
TrinityGNV.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Friday, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm