LATEST POSTS |  |
Harpazo Finally Pictured in the Sky? The CLIMACTIC MOMENT Is Almost Here! Posted: 31 Dec 2020 11:57 AM PST  Copied from Thomas R. Edgar's article entitled "The Meaning of 'Sleep' in 1 Thessalonians 5:10," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 22/4 (December 1979), 345-349: The following arguments indicate that the majority opinion of the meaning of katheudö in 1 Thess 5:10 is almost certainly wrong, and that Hogg and Vine are correct: (1) The Biblical usage of katheudö, especially in the NT, definitely favors an interpretation other than physical death. (2) The verb grêgoreô, which is contrasted with katheudö in the verse, is not used elsewhere to mean physical life. Why force an unheard-of meaning on it here? (3) The verb katheudö has been used in the immediately preceding verses (w 6, 7) without the meaning of death. In ν 6 it refers to a lack of vigilance, and in ν 7 it either means the same or refers to physical sleep. Why change meanings in the immediate context? (4) The entire context (5:1-10) concerns vigilance. Why change to include the idea of physically living or dying, which was adequately covered in 4:13-18? (5) Despite the objections of some that it is abhorrent to think that 5:10 could mean that believers will be with the Lord whether they are vigilant or not, this is precisely the teaching of the NT. Such an interpretation is in harmony with Scripture. The objections are not valid and are based either on faulty eschatology or misunderstanding of the event described in this verse. There are no valid objections to the view that katheudö in 5:10 refers to a lack of vigilance. (6) The verse does not state that it makes little difference whether we are vigilant or not, but after exhortation to be vigilant in the preceding verses Paul concludes with a statement of the certainty of our hope. This hope depends on Christ's death, not on our watchfulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:10, properly interpreted, means "who died for us, that whether we watch or fail to watch we shall live together with him." This verse is contrary to a concept such as a partial rapture. Rather, it expresses the "blessed hope" that all believers, spiritual or not, will be caught up to meet the Lord when he comes for his Church. Whether we live properly or not, we will be with him. Believers are exhorted to watch but, watchful or not, Paul assures Christians that their hope is certain. Additional Comment from Jeff: The Greek term katheudö, often translated in our English versions as "sleep," is not to be confused with koimaö (which is also translated as "sleep"). Although they are translated as the same English word and both are used as figures of speech, these two terms have different meanings. Moreover, the context determines each term's distinct usage and purpose---as is the case with all biblical interpretation. Paul uses koimaö exclusively in the context of 1 Thess. 4:13-18 to refer to believers in Christ who have physically died. And he uses katheudö in the context of 1 Thess. 5:1-11 to refer to believers in Christ who are physically alive but spiritually dead. In both contexts, the "koimaö Christian" and the "katheudö Christian" are each a brother and sister within the same Body that belongs to Christ. Therefore, this consistency in usage between chapters 4 and 5 indicates that there is no such thing as a "partial rapture." Whether carelessly conveyed or overtly stated, the belief that unwatchful, worldly members of Christ's Body somehow miss the Rapture thoroughly undermines the very gospel itself. As Thomas Edgar highlights in his paper, 1 Thess. 5:10 is crystal clear: When the Lord himself descends from heaven with a shout to raise the koimaö (physically dead), He will not only harpazo (rapture) living believers who are watching for Him, but He will also snatch up the katheudö (spiritually asleep) believers. These blood-bought, katheudö Christians will be appointed to the same (Pre-Trib) salvation as their watchful brethren (1 Thess. 5:9); however, they will experience some measure of loss and/or regret having been lulled to sleep temporarily by the alluring and intoxicating mantra of the children of darkness, "peace and security" (cf. 1 Thess. 5:3). Even so, brothers and sisters in Christ, just say "no!" to the katheudö mindset. Choose grégoreó (watchfulness) all the way until the trumpet sounds! |
Posts
