¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(A) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(B) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(C) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(D) and with the trumpet call of God,^(E) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(F) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(G) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(H) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(I) forever.

² for you know very well that the day of the Lord^(A) will come like a thief in the night.^{(B) 3} While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”^(C) destruction will come on them suddenly,^(D) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.^(E)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(F) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(G) 5} You are all children of the light^(H) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(I) but let us be awake^(J) and sober.^(K)