What is the gospel according to 1 Thessalonians 4?

Les explains that 1 Thessalonians 4 is another extension of the revelation of the mystery, which he now refers to as being caught up. He notes that people object that the word 'rapture' is not in the Bible; it is not in the English version, but down the line there are two words that mean the same thing. The passage has much the same language as 1 Corinthians 15. It says, 'I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,' concerning those who have died physically; they are asleep. Believers should not sorrow as others who have no hope. Then it says, 'if we believe that Jesus died and rose again.' Les asks what that is and answers: the gospel. If we believe the gospel—truly believe it to the place where God has imparted salvation—then those also who sleep in Christ, or Jesus, who have died, God will bring with Him. Les points out this is another Scripture portion where Jesus and God are synonymous: the same God, the same Jesus.