Lord’s Library editors offer this 1 Thessalonians 4:14 meaning, with commentary and supporting Scriptures, for your edification.
To gain a 1 Thessalonians 4:14 meaning, see the verse: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” This verse encapsulates the core truth of the Gospel of Jesus—that salvation is by grace through faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross.
Paul reassures the Thessalonian believers that just as Christ was raised from the dead, those who have died in Him will also be resurrected and brought with Him at His return. The foundation of this promise is faith in Christ’s atoning death and victorious resurrection, which secures eternal life for all who believe. As it is written!
The phrase “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again” points directly to the Gospel message as defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
The death of Christ was not just an example of sacrificial love; it was a substitutionary atonement for sin. See Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” His resurrection is the ultimate confirmation that He had conquered sin and death on behalf of those who believe. See next Romans 4:25: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
Justification—being declared righteous before God—is not achieved by religious deeds but is granted solely through faith in Christ’s finished work.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 Meaning
Paul then states, “even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” The term “sleep” is often used in Scripture to describe the physical death of believers. This signifies that death is not the end for those in Christ, but a temporary state before resurrection.
Jesus Himself used this language in John 11:11 when referring to Lazarus: “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.” This echoes the promise that those who have died in Christ are not lost but will be raised at His coming. See 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Adam’s sin brought death upon all future humanity, but through Christ’s Blood Atonement, all who believe are gifted eternal life.
The phrase “will God bring with him” refers to the second coming of Christ, when believers who have died will be resurrected and gathered together with those who are alive at His coming. This is further explained in the next verses, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
This event (the rapture) demonstrates the full realization of salvation, as believers are not only saved from sin but also from death itself, receiving glorified bodies to dwell eternally with Christ.
This promise is rooted in the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, apart from works. This can be seen clearly in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” As one can see, salvation is entirely a gift from God, secured through Christ’s death and resurrection, and not dependent on religious works.
This is why Paul speaks with such certainty, knowing that all who have placed their faith in Christ are eternally secure. Romans 8:38-39 offers further reinforcement: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The believer’s salvation is secure because it rests not on their own deeds, but on Christ’s perfect and completed work on the Cross, as it is written. Christ’s resurrection guarantees the believer’s resurrection. See John 14:19: “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”
The hope of eternal life is grounded in Christ’s triumph over death as explained in the Gospel. See next Philippians 3:20-21: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 Meaning: Commentary on Important Scriptures - March 17, 2025
- 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Meaning: Commentary on an Important Scripture - March 17, 2025
- Acts 13:38-39 Meaning: Commentary on Important Scriptures - March 17, 2025
