[iamfreeru2]

The Bible cannot contradict itself. You have probably not correctly interpreted it. Can God contradict Himself? If God inspired the Bible is there any error in it? (See 2 Timothy 3:16) We as finite creations of His can misinterpret what he says. I call it the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. God said what He meant and meant what He said. 2 Peter 1:20, 21 says: "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." If God directed it there can be no error in it.

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. "

This is talking about our bodies not our spirit, which is already with him. Again 2 Corinthians 5:8. Our resurrected bodies will be caught up to meet our spirits in the air. This is part of the first resurrection.

Lazarus (Jesus' friend) died and was resurrected. There was no mention of him going to Heaven or Hell or anywhere.

This is not the same kind of resurrection. He was brought back to life. This is not the same resurrection as Christ. Again it must be put into context.

1 Corinthians 15:6

"After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. "

This is Christ after he rose in His glorified body and many witnesses saw Him. This is a no brainer.

1 Corinthians 15:20

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. "

This is also a no brainer. Christ is the first one (first fruits) to be bodily resurrected to the Father in heaven. This is why people witnessed Him after the resurrection. Shortly thereafter He went to heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. "

This is speaking of those that have died (fallen asleep) and are with Jesus now in spirit. They will return with Jesus to rain in the millennial kingdom before the judgment. Again it is part of the first resurrection.

1 Thessalonians 4:15

"According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. "

Those that are alive in Christ will get their new bodies after those that have died get theirs. There is no contradiction of the Bible. Again 2 Corinthians 5:8 applies. Only bodies are resurrected. Those that have died are already with the Lord (Their Spirit). I see no contradiction whatsoever.



iamfreeru2