The closing verses of 1 Thessalonians 4 have been a means of comfort and consolation to God's people down through the centuries. The particular issue contained in the reference to the personal return of the Lord will take place when the dead in Christ, and those His who are still alive on earth, will be assembled together to meet the Lord in the air.
The three-fold marshalling sound which will accompany the Lord when He comes to the air and is described for us most vividly in v.16. A proper appreciation of the implications behind the words used will assist towards a fuller realisation of the greatness and the glory of the One who is coming.
A shout
There are only two references to shouting in the New Testament (Acts 12.22; 1 Thess 4.16). The shout which followed Herod's oration was simply a cry of exclamation from the people. However, the word in v.16 here means much more. It contains the idea of a cry of incitement and invitation, an order or command. When this shout is heard the two companies will immediately respond, and will be caught up together, no other means of power being necessary. From this we can gather that sufficient divine energy will be released in the shout to transfer this great company from earth to air.
This is the basic significance associated with the shout and it further emphasises a principle already established in the Scriptures. Referring to the creation in Psalm 33 the Psalmist at v.9 records, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast".
The great act of creation recorded in the opening verses of Genesis 1 was accomplished by the spoken word of God. Coming into the New Testament the same principle is seen in operation in John 11.43 where the Lord cried with a loud voice at the grave of Lazarus, and he who was dead immediately responded and came forth. The power necessary to raise Lazarus was released in the spoken word of Christ. This gives us a preview of what will take place on that future day when the shout will be heard.
How wonderful to realise that the shout of the Saviour will not only call us, but will also supply the magnetic power necessary to bring us to Himself. This shout would therefore reveal the divine power of Christ to snatch His people from this ungodly scene, but there will be also something else made known on that occasion.
Voice of the archangel
The definite article does not actually appear before "voice" or "trump" (see JND). This voice will be archangelic characteristically and this in itself unfolds a wealth of meaning. In Scripture the word "archangel" is only mentioned twice (1 Thess 4.16; Jude v.9). It would seem that the meaning of this word is derived from the combination of two ideas - that of political rank or power, coupled with the bringing of tidings. When the voice of the Lord is heard it will not only express power but it will also reveal His divine authority.
He is first and it is He who reigns, and at this moment He will exert His authority over the earth, penetrate the heavenly places, and, as a Sovereign, gather His people unto Himself. Divine and moral authority will be seen combined in the person of the coming Saviour. The voice that was heard on the tempestuous sea will be heard again by His people, revealing the same authority and signifying that the time has come for their final exodus from a troubled scene.
Trump of God
This time it is not described as the last trump (1 Cor 15.52) but simply and significantly as God's trump. This seems to be in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 4.14, the latter part of which reads: "…them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him". The trumpet here is not described in terms of the period in which it will be heard, but in the context of the Person responsible for its sounding. Thus when the Lord comes for His own He will not only come with divine power and authority, but His true character will also be realised.
The three fold sound which will vibrate at the Rapture conveys something of the majesty and glory of the One who will then come. The unveiling of His glory will be exclusively for His waiting people and will result in their final salvation and the commencement of the Parousia when they shall be in His presence.
Concluded.
