8. (a) According to the Scriptures, when was the “first resurrection” due to occur? (b) Explain the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52.

⁸ The Scriptures link this “first resurrection” with Christ’s “presence [Greek, parousia].” (1 Corinthians 15:23) The apostle Paul writes: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ [starting from the first century and up to Christ’s coming to the spiritual temple in 1918] will rise first.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) They do not have to “sleep” in the grave, awaiting the resurrection.