Answers | To Your Questions About the Bible, Theology and Christian Living

I am confused about the meaning of “dead in Christ” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” I have always been taught that when we die, we instantly go to heaven. If we are already in heaven and alive with Christ, how are we dead in Christ and caught up at His reappearance?

The apostle Paul makes it clear that believers go immediately into the Lord’s presence when they die. He calls this being “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NIV). Those who are “dead in Christ” are called “those who have fallen asleep in him [Jesus]” (v. 14), “those who have fallen asleep” (v. 15), and “those who fall asleep” (v. 13). Sleep is stressed, not to indicate lack of consciousness but because, for believers, death is simply the appearance of sleep.

The body is dead and the spirit is with Christ. When Jesus returns he brings these believers with him (1 Thessalonians 4:13), their bodies will be glorified (made incorruptible) and reunited with their spirits “in the air” (v. 17).

“For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:52-53; read the whole chapter).

Ken Horn

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Answers to some common questions about Easter.

Where did the name Easter come from?

An early Christian writer (Bede, c. A.D. 673-735) claims that it came from the name Eastre, a Germanic goddess of spring. The celebration of Christ’s resurrection apparently replaced the pagan festival.

Is the word Easter in the Bible?

Not really—in the original languages. But it does appear once in the King James Version in Acts 12:4. This was corrected in the New King James and other English translations. The word translated Easter in Acts is from the Greek tò páscha. It is translated Passover each of the other 28 times it appears in the King James, as well as in the other English versions.

What is a better name?

Resurrection Sunday is a far better representation of the true meaning of the day.

How early did the celebration of Christ’s resurrection begin?

The earliest historical reference of a formal celebration by the church appears in the middle of the second century. History records a debate then that took place over the correct date of celebration.

How is the date figured anyway?

We don’t have enough room to explain this one. The usual statement—Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon after the first day of spring—is not precisely correct, because there are certain “ecclesiastical rules” that can change the dates. (Read a comprehensive explanation here.)

It’s very early this year. The important thing to know about the date is this: Even though Christians celebrate the resurrection year-round, Easter draws multitudes of people who seldom ever darken the door of a church. It’s a wonderful yearly opportunity to proclaim the truths that lie at the core of our faith.

What is Lent?

A period of 40 days prior to Easter that begins with Ash Wednesday. It is primarily emphasized in liturgical churches. Christians from churches of this tradition are commonly expected to fast and/or give up other things during this period.

What does Mardi Gras have to do with Easter?

Mardi Gras is from the French meaning “fat Tuesday.” The day before the beginning of Lent became a time of feasting and raucous celebration. This celebration has become a longer festival of overindulgence that has become quite depraved and godless.

What is the true meaning of Easter?

The true meaning of Easter is clearly found in the suggested better name—Resurrection Sunday. It is a celebration of the historical fact that Christ rose from the dead, as well as the fact that we serve a living Savior today.

Ken Horn

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I don’t find anything in Scripture that condemns or condones cremation. I believe it is a matter of choice. It isn’t going to matter to the Lord whether you’ve been cremated or not when the resurrection comes. The power of the supernatural is going to take place and your body is going to come together. Cremation is really a decision to be made based upon the preference of the family.

Thomas E. Trask

From A Chat With Pastors: Funerals. See also “Death and Burial.”

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