Even as Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they “know perfectly well that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (5:2)” and “with sudden destruction (5:3),” he also reminds them that this day cannot overtake them as a thief because they are children of light and not of darkness. In other words, they have been told what to expect in anticipation of this day of the Lord.
Paul reminds these believers that they are not destined to experience God’s wrath; they are set apart to experience God’s salvation, His deliverance from the outpouring of His wrath on planet earth. This truth is a promise that believers should use to comfort and encourage one another (5:11).
It’s natural to question why God would choose to “save” anyone from experiencing this appointed time of wrath. It is because His Son, Jesus Christ, suffered that wrath on behalf of every person who would accept His sacrifice on the cross as the atonement for his/her sin.
1Th. 5:9-10 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
The Greek for sleep in verse 10 is different from that used previously that referenced death; it simply states to sleep. It is used as a contrast to “wake,” the Greek for which references being vigilant or watchful. Paul is affirming that whether the believer is being watchful or not, his/her position in Christ is sure; we will live together with Him. It’s all about what He has done—not what I am doing! Jesus has already suffered God’s wrath to spare those who have placed their faith in Him.
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