This is taken from the New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.  (Note: I have chosen this translation simply because it reads easily and I find it enjoyable.  However, I urge you to read it in the King James, the New King James, the NIV (New International Version) and, in fact, any translation or paraphrase you can find as it will encourage you and build your faith in a wonderful way.)

The Hope of the Resurrection

And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.

I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with these words.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.) 1996.