According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16, who will be raised first at Christ's return?

The passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 provides a clear teaching on the order of resurrection at Christ's return. It states that "the dead in Christ will rise first." This emphasizes that those who have died while maintaining their faith in Christ will be resurrected before anyone who is still living at the time of the return.

This order highlights the importance of the deceased believers and affirms the hope of resurrection that is central to Christian doctrine. The dead in Christ, having completed their earthly journey, are promised a glorified existence when Jesus returns. This understanding provides comfort and assurance to believers regarding the fate of loved ones who have passed away in faith, revealing a divine order in the resurrection process set by God.

The living in Christ will be transformed afterward, but the text specifically prioritizes the resurrection of the dead believers, underscoring their significance in the plan of salvation.