doubtedly have a share in the kingdom. The statement is made as authoritative as possible by stating that it is the Word of the Lord. There are two possible ex planations of this. It could be an other wise unrecorded saying of Christ (cf. Acts 20:35) or it may have come to Paul by direct revelation (cf. Acts 16: 6: 18:9). In any case, the Thessalo- nians need not be worried; in reality the dead will have a foremost place, for the living shall in no wise (empha tic negative) precede those who are asleep at the Lord’s return. Notice that Paul included himself among that living group and evidently expected to live until the return of Christ (cf. Phil. 4:5; Titus 2:13; written later in his life). One of the wonderful things about the hope of His coming is that it burns brightly in the hearts of each generation of Christians regardless of how long His return is delayed. The Christian believes not only in a future life but also that by a glorious resurrection the immortal soul will be clothed with a deathless body. This be lief is based upon the resurrection of Christ, which was a proof and a type of the resurrection of his followers: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” The meaning is quite clear. Those who die with faith in Christ will be with Him and will be brought back with Him out of the sphere of the un seen, when He appears. One phrase, however, is difficult to translate. It has become so precious to readers of the English Bible that it should be treated with a certain reverence and reserve. “Asleep in Jesus” is literally “Asleep through Jesus.” It may mean that, be cause of their relation to Him, death has lost its terror for Christians. It is simply falling asleep; and sleep is rest ful, sleep is refreshing, sleep implies awaking and dawn. For a believer death is simply to have the Master lull him to sleep as a mother hushes her child to slumber. This expression, however, is so un- (continued on next page) 21
phrase, through Jesus, is related to the fact that death has been changed to sleep through the work of Jesus.” Heathen hopelessness in the face of death is seen in the following quotation from a letter of the second century: “Eirene to Taonnophris and Philon, good cheer! I was as much grieved and shed as many tears over Eumoiros as I shed for Didymas, and I did everything that was fitting, and so did my whole family, . . . But still there is nothing one can do in the face of such trouble. So I leave you to comfort yourselves. Goodbye.” Next comes the positive declaration that the Christian dead will actually be raised first and will therefore un-
At groundbreaking ceremonies for Myers Hall, Dr. Talbot and Dr. Daniel Rose flank Dr. Myers. Below, some of the Myers family gather at the site.
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