7. Did Paul expect that once he ‘departed’, that is, died, he would immediately be with Christ? 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
NOTE: ‘Paul says in Philippians 1:23, For I am in a strait betwixt two; having a desire to depart and to be with Christ. And again in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. . . . Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only but unto all them also that love His appearing.” When? At death? No. “I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and His kingdom.” 1 Peter 5:4. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” The above tells when Paul will be with Christ.’ Uriah Smith: Review & Herald, October 8, 1857.
8. What did Paul teach about when those who die in Christ will be with Christ? 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
NOTE: ‘Jesus is coming, but not as at His first advent, a babe in Bethlehem, not as He rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised God with a loud voice and cried, Hosannah; but in the glory of the Father, and with all the retinue of holy angels with Him, to escort Him on His way to earth. All heaven will be emptied of the angels. The waiting saints will be looking for Him, and gazing into heaven, as were the “men of Galilee” when He ascended from the Mount of Olivet. Then, those only who are holy, those who have followed fully the meek Pattern will, with rapturous joy, exclaim as they behold Him, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” And they will be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump,” that wakes the sleeping saints, and calls them forth from their dusty beds, clothed with glorious immortality, shouting Victory! Victory! over death and the grave. The changed saints are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be separated from the object of their love.’ Sons & Daughters of God, page360.