¹⁵ For this we say to you ^(A)by the word of the Lord, that ^(B)we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are ^[a]asleep. ¹⁶ For ^(C)the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with ^(D)the trumpet of God. ^(E)And the dead in Christ will rise first. ^17 (F)Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ^(G)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus ^(H)we shall always be with the Lord. ^18 (I)Therefore comfort one another with these words.

⁹ For ^(A)God did not appoint us to wrath, ^(B)but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ^10 (C)who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

¹¹ Therefore ^[a]comfort each other and ^[b]edify one another, just as you also are doing.