Hence we understand that shortly after
the second appearing of the Lord Jesus, during the time of the shout of
encouragement that was going on among the peoples of earth, these dead
saints in Christ were resurrected and caught up with the Lord Jesus in
the air, to be for ever with him, as stated by the Apostle.
--1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
[499]Those remaining, who had not died up to the time of the Lord's
appearing, but who since die as do other men, have their change
instantaneously. Their resurrection is instantaneous, as St. Paul
plainly says: "Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but
we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the
last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed". (1 Corinthians 15:51,52) These
are the blessed ones of the Lord because they participate in the first
or chief resurrection and thereafter reign with Christ. (Revelation 20:6)
These promises, then, are to the effect that they shall be forever with
the Lord Jesus in the presence of Jehovah: therefore in glory. Jehovah
for centuries has been preparing this class, the new creation, "that he
might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which
he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called".--Romans
9:23,24.
[500]It is customary for the royal family of a nation to have the
choicest jewels of that nation in possession.
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