For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the chief angel, and with God's shofar. The dead in Messiah will rise first,
I heard the voice from heaven saying, *Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'* *Yes,* says the Spirit, *that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.*