QUESTION FOR GROK 4: What Scriptures show Jesus coming on the clouds to rapture the Saints , the dead arise first and then those alive are taken up?

GROK 4 ANSWER:

The primary Scripture that describes Jesus descending, believers being caught up (raptured) in the clouds to meet Him, and the dead in Christ rising first followed by those who are alive is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV):

“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. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

This passage directly matches the sequence you described: the dead saints are resurrected first, then living believers are taken up (“caught up” is the Greek harpazō, from which the term “rapture” derives), and this meeting occurs in the clouds.

A supporting passage that describes the instantaneous transformation and resurrection at a trumpet sound (often linked to the same event) is

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV):

Scriptures describing Jesus coming on/with the clouds (often associated with His return, though interpretations vary on whether this is the same event as the rapture or the later visible Second Coming) include:

• “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30 (NIV)
• “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.“ Revelation 1:7 (NIV)

Note that biblical interpretations differ: some see 1 Thessalonians 4 as a distinct “rapture” event where believers meet the Lord in the air, while others connect the clouds imagery across these passages to one visible return. The core description of the resurrection order and gathering in the clouds is clearest in 1 Thessalonians 4.

MY RESPONSE: Thanks Grok you have done a creditable job with all of the rapture Scriptures.

GROK’S RESPONSE: You’re very welcome! I’m glad the verses were helpful to you. If you have any more questions about the rapture, the Second Coming, or any other Scriptures, feel free to ask. I’d be happy to dig deeper or clarify anything. Blessings! 🙏