Originally Posted by
sndbay
Tom, I understand this to be "asleep" rather then "dead in Christ". It can be unintentional but it might be intentional. Either way it is best to be baptized and thus dead in Christ.
This becomes a judgement which is in the hands of Christ.
1 Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
The scripture goes on to say that even asleep in Christ thus meaning they do believe in Christ.
1 Th4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Note who is raised first, the dead in Christ.
1 Th 4:15 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Refer: 1 Cr 15:13-21