The word “coming” can accurately be translated using the English word “presence”.
Strongs Greek word #3952. parousia parousia, from the present participle of 3918; a being near, i.e. advent by implication) physically, coming,
The word “prevent” is the Greek word #5348 and in English it means to be beforehand, anticipate or precede; by extension the word means, to have arrived at: — (already) attain, come, prevent.
So, using these translations of the Greek words 1 Thess 4:15 reads this way –
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain in the presence of the Lord should not go before them which are asleep.
In verse 15 Paul is telling them that He has received a command from the Lord Jesus.
“Don’t “go before” the “sleeping/willfully sinful Christians”.
The reason for this command is found in the next verse.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
The reason that those who remain in the Lord’s presence should not “go before” those who “sleep” is because the Lord will descend, and personally deal with the “spiritually sleeping” individual in accordance with 1 Cor 11:32.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
When the divine discipline process referred to in 1 Thess 5:2 as the “Day of the Lord” has resulted in the former sleepers, having awakened, and stopped the willful sin. Then Paul and the Christians are who had remained faithful can again fellowship with the former “sleepers”, as can be seen in 1 Thess 4:17.
After the “sleepers” rise they will then join those who have remained “Spiritually Alive” and in the Lord’s presence. For those who need further scriptural validation, a look at the Grammatical “Voice” in the Greek language is helpful.
In 1 Thess 4:16 the word “rise” is written in the “middle voice”. This suggests that the subject of the sentence performed (participated in) the action on Himself or for His own benefit. This would indicate that the “sleeper” would cooperate (participate) with the teaching of God’s grace in the matter (Titus 2:11-12).
This is not always the case.
When the “resurrection” we receive from God is in the passive voice it means we are receiving the action of the verb, as in Col 3:1.
Which means that in the case of a resurrection, God has caused it and we have received it.
Our initial resurrection to life is brought about by God, however after the initial event ,we are invited to participate in our continuing resurrection (Phil 3:10-14) by either cooperating with the teaching of God’s grace and denying ungodliness, or not denying ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
This is the difference between the passive and middle voice in the Greek language as far as the verb “rise” is concerned.
In 1 Thess 4;17 the person would cause Himself to stop the willful sin that originally brought about the “sleeping condition” and again participate in the resurrected life in Christ.
They must stop the willful sin “first”, as 1 Thess 4:16 shows. Then after that, the “former sleepers” are permitted to have proper fellowship with those who remained in Jesus presence .
In 1 Thess 4:15 we understand that Jesus has commanded those remaining in the Lord’s presence not to associate with, or attempt to wake those who are sleeping. This was on Paul’s mind when He wrote the instructions in 1 Cor 5:11.
1 Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Then when the “sleeper” stops the willfil sin Jesus causes them continue to progress in their resurrection into the “new” life in Christ , verse 16.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
After the former “sleepers” rise then those who have remained in Jesus’ presence can associate with them in 1 Thess 4:17.
1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Paul’s group of believers, that had remained alive and in the presence of the Lord are, after the resurrection of the sleepers, allowed to fellowship with those who the Lord caused to rise.
The rapture doctrine is proven false when the condition of sleep in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 is referred to in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 as being a willful condition.
This can be understood because the Apostle Paul encourages His students not to fall asleep but to watch and remain sober.
1Th 5:6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
In 1 Thess 5:6 Paul is not telling those that are with Him in the group (and that have faithfully remained in the Lord’s presence), that they can choose whether they live or die. He is metaphorically referring to their willful sinful behavior.
There is a parallel theme in scripture referring to spiritual “sleep”, and this interpretation of the parable allows us to correctly understand it.
1 Co 15:34 Awake (#1594) to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Strong’s Greek word #1594 “eknepho” is translated as (awake) in 1 Cor 15:34.
Strong’ word #3525 “nepho” is translated as (sober) in 1 Thess 5:6. By adding the prefix “ek” to the Greek word nepho, Paul is suggesting that God’s people come out of the sleep or drunkenness of sin.
The Apostle Paul encourages sleeping Christians to wake up in 1 Cor 15:34. Paul encourages the same condition of watching in 1 Thess 5:6.
1Th 5:6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
Those who hold to the rapture theory must read only half of Paul’s explanation, and ignore the remainder of the conversation.
Paul’s entire conversation on the topic of sleeping can be seen to encompass 1 Thess 4:13 thru 1 Thess 5:11.
In 1 Thess 5:6 they are told to “watch” and not “sleep”. The Greek word translated as “Watch” means to be “vigilant”.
Strong’s Greek word #1127 here translated as “watch” means to keep awake or to be vigilant.
1 Thess 5:6 is actually saying, Stay “vigilant” and don’t sleep. It can be seen clearly here that the “sleep” is a condition of not being “vigilant”. By placing this concept into 1 Thess 4:13 we see clearly that the “sleep” is spiritual in nature.
The “rapture” theory can clearly be seen to be a delusion.
As to the reason for this delusion and it’s almost worldwide acceptance, refer to the next letter that Paul sent to the Thessalonian chuch , specifically 2Th 2:11.
2 Thess 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
This can be likeded to the situations found in Isaiah 28:11 and Matthew 25:29.
Remember that Isaiah’s commission was to render sighted people blind, Is 6:9.
Isa 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
We have for generations, been under the Lord’s judgment, and have not recognized it as judgment.
The church has come up with wild end-time theories, like the rapture to replace the truths revealed in the word of God.
One reason for this misunderstanding is that we have not recognized and the kept in mind the reason that Jesus gave us for speaking in Parables or tongues. This reason is found in Matt 13:10-12.
Mt 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mt 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mt 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
The principles seen in Isaiah 28:7 have been played out right in front of us.
Like those spiritually drunken leaders in Israel, the truths of God have been hidden from our eyes due to our sin.
A famine of hearing the word of the Lord is literally happening to us and we don’t even recognize it.
Am 8:11 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
To continue with the interpretation of this parable –
When the “sleeping/sinful condition” becomes “willful” the Lord’s intervention is needed to wake them up through judgment, Heb 10:26-27.
Although Paul and others have remained in the Coming/presence of the Lord by being “vigilant” in their faith, those Christians referred to as “sleeping” have not.
We see that the outcome of the parable or mystery seen in these verses is that the sleeping brethren are brought back into the Coming/presence of the Lord and rejoin those who remained faithful.
In order to bring them into the presence of the Lord again, the judgment called the “Day of the Lord” is going to be employed in the situation of 1 Thess 4:13-5:11.
The entire process is summarized by using the phrase “the Day of the Lord” referred to in 1 Thess 5:2.
Paul tells them in 5:1 that they were already aware of when this discipline process called “the Day of the Lord” would unfold.
1Th 5:1 ¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
The Lord would employ the thief to bring about their repentance.
They already knew when this would occur.
This process would begin when a Christian willfully sins, and it is revealed that He is a man of sin, 2 Thess 2:3.
2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
When willful sin occurs in the life of an individual Christian the Thief is allowed to steal etc, before the willful sinned they were protected, Ps 16:17.
Pr 16:7 ¶ When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Those remaining in the presence of the Lord are told not to “go before” the sleeping brethren, 1 Thess 4:15. Paul states this clearly in 1 Cor 5:11.
The events happening in 1 Thess 4:13 through 17 are seen to happen during a time called the “Day of the Lord” or a period of judgment, 1 Thess 4:15 and 5:2.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
The devil/thief carries out this correction under the constant supervision of the Lord. In this way Jesus can be referred to as the Lion (devourer) of the tribe of Judah. Just as Job was brought back to an obedient state through judgment (Job 42:6), and Paul was given a demon to buffet Him to prevent sin, 2 Cor 12:7.
The sleeping Christian is brought back into compliance with God’s precepts, here referred to as a resurrection from the sinful condition. To understand that waking from the “spiritual sleep” of “willful sin” is actually a resumption of the “first” or original resurrection refer to Col 3:1 and Phil 3:11-14.
The believers who remain faithful are not to go before (prevent means “go before”, 1 Thess 4:15) the willfully sinful brethren.
These people are referred to as sleepers or people who are dead in Christ (dead in sins and transgressions).
Faithful believers are to remain in the Lord’s presence/coming and not become entangled in the willful sin of the sleepers. That is why they are instructed/commanded not to “go before” the sleeping brethren. The Lord Himself will bring about the resumption of their original resurrection through judgment, which is meant for their correction, 1 Cor 11:32. Their ressurection had beed interrupted by their willful sin.
After their resurrection the formally (spiritually) dead brethren will join the brethren who have remained faithful, in the air.
Here it is important to remember that we are all currently surrounded by the air suggesting that this event happens during this lifetime and on earth.
1 Thess 4:14 and 1 Cor 15:51 illustrate, that if a Christian believes or maintains their faith in Jesus, regardless of their “sleeping or waking” condition they will live with Christ, 1 Thess 5:10.
1 Thessalonians 5:10 KJV — Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
If a Christian continues to have faith in Jesus, even in the midst of their “willful sin”, (and it’s subsequent discipline) they will still be with Christ after physical death. There own sin cannot separate them from the Love of God, but they will suffer “loss” if the sinful condition is not corrected, 1 Cor 3:15.
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
The judgment of the Lord is meant to correct believers so they will not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor 11:32.
The Lord Jesus descending (in a cloud) is simply a metaphor speaking about the Lord’s coming judgment, Isaiah 19:1.
The judgment that destroys unbelievers is used to correct believers, Rom 2:12. Just as a parable is meant to disguise or hide a truth, Mark 4:11.
1 Thess 4 and the so called rapture verses conceal the truth about how God disciplines His people through periods of evaluation and judgment.
The “Day of the Lord” is in this case, the discipline inflicted upon an erring Christian to return them to obedience.
So what is the alternative to the Rapture misconception? Eze 20:37 summarizes the events mentioned in 1 Thess 4:13 – 5:11.
Eze 20:37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant:
Le 26:25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall execute the vengeance of the covenant; and ye shall be gathered together within your cities: and I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. (ASV)
The promise of Ga 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, is fulfilled in Lev 26:13.
Lev 26:13 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.
Very simply we are waiting for God to make us “upright” or “right in His sight” through His Grace, which teaches us to deny ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
In other words He is conforming us to the image of Christ.
Ro 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (KJV)
Ro 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Now it is a scriptural fact that Jesus First and Second Comings are recorded in the New Testament.
Heb 9:28 (KJV) — So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Please notice that Jesus does not appear to all men when He comes the Second time. Gods grace appears to all men but is only given to those who humble themselves. Meaning that those who refuse to humble themselves see God grace, but can’t recieve it. This of course will make them angry, and like Cain slew Able, they will act in a similar fashion towards those who do recieve God Grace and learn to deny ungodly activity, Titus 2:11-12.
His First coming is when He came to die on the cross, Heb 9:28. The Second is recorded in Acts 3:20.
So what are we to wait for, if not the physical return of Jesus?
Romans 8:23 KJV — And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
1 Corinthians 1:7 KJV — So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming/presence of our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV — And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
We are waiting (in this life when we are in a body) for the redemption from sin to be revealed in our physical bodies and we become able to put sin to death in our mortal bodies, Rm 8:11 and 1 Cor 4:11.
Ro 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
2Co 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Our bodies can be free from corruption when we are free from sin and made into the image of Jesus.
Ro 8:29 ¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Jesus died physically and those who follow His example need to put sin to death while in the flesh, 1 Pet 4:1.
1 Peter 4:1 KJV — Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
Paul said that He died daily and we also need to die to sin daily, 1 Cor 15:31.
1Co 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.