How does John 5:28 connect with 1 Thessalonians 4:16 about resurrection? The Promise in Jesus’ Words “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice 29 and come out…” (John 5:28-29) • Jesus speaks as the Judge and Life-giver (John 5:21-27). • The resurrection He describes is bodily and global—“all who are in their graves.” • Two outcomes follow: “those who have done good to a resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to a resurrection of judgment.” Paul’s Echo in 1 Thessalonians 4 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) • The same Lord Jesus issues the “loud command.” • The focus is narrowed to believers—“the dead in Christ.” • Immediate result: a literal, bodily rising of those who have already died trusting Him. Shared Elements: What Links These Verses? 1. The Speaker • John 5:28—“His voice” (Jesus). • 1 Thessalonians 4:16—“the Lord Himself.” 2. The Medium • Both passages center on an audible, authoritative call—no silent, symbolic event. 3. The Audience • John—“all who are in their graves.” • Thessalonians—specifically “the dead in Christ,” the first group John calls “those who have done good.” 4. The Result • John—universal resurrection leading to eternal destinies. • Paul—first phase of that resurrection: believers raised to meet the Lord (4:17). 5. The Timing • John looks at the entire sweep of end-time resurrection. • Paul details its opening movement at the Lord’s descent, before wrath falls (5:9). A Simple Timeline of Resurrection • Phase 1 – The Lord descends (1 Thessalonians 4:16). – Shout, archangel’s voice, trumpet of God. – Dead believers rise, living believers transformed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). • Phase 2 – Millennium and reign with Christ (Revelation 20:4-6). • Phase 3 – Final resurrection and judgment of the rest of the dead (John 5:29; Revelation 20:11-15; Daniel 12:2). Why This Matters • Certainty: Both passages rest on Jesus’ sovereign authority—when He speaks, graves open. • Comfort: Grieving believers “do not sorrow like the rest” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) because loved ones in Christ will rise. • Urgency: Since a resurrection to judgment also awaits, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Hopeful Living: “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). The promise of resurrection fuels steadfastness, purity, and joyful expectation (1 John 3:2-3). |
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