But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
For this we say unto you [and Paul says this is] by the word of the Lord [this is a revelation from the Lord to us], that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15 ).