and to await the return from Heaven of His Son, whom He raised from among the dead--even Jesus, our Deliverer from God's coming anger.

But as God tested and approved us before entrusting us with His Good News, so in what we say we are seeking not to please men but to please God, who tests and approves our motives.

and imploring you to live lives worthy of fellowship with God who is inviting you to share His own Kingship and glory.

And for this further reason we render unceasing thanks to God, that when you received God's Message from our lips, it was as no mere message from men that you embraced it, but as--what it really is--God's Message, which also does its work in the hearts of you who believe.

that each man among you shall know how to procure a wife who shall be his own in purity and honour;

that you be not overmastered by lustful cravings, like the Gentiles who have no knowledge of God;

Therefore a defiant spirit in such a case provokes not man but God, who puts His Holy Spirit into your hearts.

Now, concerning those who from time to time pass away, we would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, lest you should mourn as others do who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus has died and risen again, we also believe that, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who shall have passed away.

For this we declare to you on the Lord's own authority--that we who are alive and continue on earth until the Coming of the Lord, shall certainly not forestall those who shall have previously passed away.

Afterwards we who are alive and are still on earth will be caught up in their company amid clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

While they are saying "Peace and safety!" then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night.

who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life.

Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers;

And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work.