It has been argued that the Thessalonian converts were bright and zealous, and for this reason Paul could speak so unreservedly of their sharing in the rapture of the saints.
Contrast the Corinthians. " Saints," they were, washed, sanctified and justified (1 Cor. 6:1111And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)). But they were " carnal " (3:3), earthly-minded (4:8), indifferent to gross evil in their midst (5:2), and quarrelsome (6:6). They were turning their love-feast into an orgy of selfish eating and drinking, and many had come under the extremest discipline of the Lord (11:30). But for all this they were saved people; they were Christ's (3:23). That they were faithful, watching Christians none can affirm. But the Holy Spirit had made their body His temple (6:19).
How sad that those, of whom these wonderful things were true, could bring such dishonor upon the worthy Name that they bore!
In chap. 15 of his first epistle Paul writes to these people about the Coming of the Lord. He says that all who are in Christ, even though they have died, shall be made first-fruits, but they that are His will share in the same glorious resurrection at His coming (v. 23).
It does not say " they that are watchful ", or " they that are faithful ", but they that are Christ's. So, when the Savior comes, not only the zealous and the watchful, but all who are His, even if they be like the Corinthians, will be raised.
But what about those who will still be alive when He comes? Read v. 51, and lay the emphasis of your voice on the second " all "" We shall all be changed in a moment ". What! Even they whose ways are like those of the Corinthians? The whole question is not, " What kind of people are they? " but, " Whose are they? Are they Christ's? " If so, the Word of truth declares, " We shall all be changed ". Is the reader prepared to say: " Then it must be so "?