As we continue to look at the four main passages from scripture that support the pre-tribulation rapture, we will complete the passage from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
1Thessalonians 5:1-2 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
“times” = a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from 2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion…) or interval; by implication, delay
“seasons” = an occasion, i.e. set or proper time: (the 2540 referenced above)
I thought the Greek was interesting for these words. It would seem that Paul is referencing the duration of the delay between the Lord’s first and second coming as well as the specific time designated for His second coming to establish His earthly kingdom. Paul had evidently taught these believers that these specific times (the delay and the actual return) had not been revealed to man.
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Paul’s tone indicates that the Thessalonians had been well taught regarding the subject of Christ’s return. They had been specifically taught that the “day of the Lord” would come as a thief in the night—in other words, without warning. That the “day of the Lord” is a time of judgment, destruction and darkness is clarified in the following verses (cf 1:10).
1Thessalonians 5:3-4 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
It jumped out to me that Paul is making a distinction between believers, his brethren, and unbelievers through the pronouns he used. “They” (unbelievers) will think they are living in a time of peace and safety when the day of the Lord begins. Verse three indicates that this time will begin with “sudden (unexpected, unawares) destruction (ruin, death, punishment).” He then goes on to compare the scenario of events to a woman going into labor. Jesus used this same comparison when teaching His disciples about this very subject prior to His death. In reading this through again, I am reminded that the woman knows the general time of her expected delivery; she just doesn’t know the day or the hour.
The last phrase of verse 3 is quite specific—“they shall not escape.” As this passage continues to make distinctions between “they” and “ye/we,” the implication seems to be that “ye/we” will escape.
Verse 4 declares that the believer will not be overtaken as a thief (“should” is supplied by the translators). Why? Because we are not “in” darkness; the Greek for the word "in" denotes position.
As I continue to consider previous study in the area of prophecy, it is obvious that verse 3 cannot be referencing the actual return of Jesus as King because that will happen at a time when the whole world seems to be gathering together at Armageddon to make war—not a time of peace and safety. This supports the understanding of “that day” as a “period of time” (and is supported by the Greek) preceding His return. We identify that time as a 7-year period known as the tribulation or the 70th week of Daniel.
I think it is important to note that the “day of the Lord” and “the 70th week of Daniel” that we often reference as the 7-year tribulation period are not synonymous, but run almost concurrently with one another. The “day of the Lord” is directed toward the wicked on planet earth, and the 70th week of Daniel is directed toward the nation of Israel. The “day of the Lord” is a time of God’s vengeance; the “70th week” is a time of refining and reestablishing a holy relationship between God and Israel.
1Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
We are “children (a “son”) of light.” We are positioned in the family of God in Christ, The Light of the world.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Galatians 3:26 & 28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:9 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.
Now a clear statement of beautiful truth. We, true believers, are “not appointed to wrath.” Again, we have to remember to stay in context. What is the wrath being referenced in this passage? The Day of the Lord. The phrase “obtain salvation” is reference to a deliverance or rescue that has been purchased (from the Greek) by OUR Lord Jesus Christ. What was the price? His life; He willingly laid down His life on the cross and shed His blood to atone for my/our sin.
“sleep” = to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep
Interestingly enough, I expected to see a different Greek word for “sleep” in verse 10, one that referenced death (as used in chapter 4)----but it wasn’t. The truth jumped out at me as even more assuring. Whether the child of God is in the right attitude or mindset or not, whether he is being vigilant and watchful or not, his/her position in Christ is sure. We will live together with Him. We are not to experience the wrath of the “day of the Lord” because it is designated specifically as a time of wrath for those who are His enemies, those who have rejected Him. It’s all about what He has done—not what I am doing! Jesus has already suffered God’s wrath to spare me.
1Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
“Wherefore” – Based on the above truth…..
In other words—Based on these truths, believers should come together with one another to strengthen one another when the times are tough and the enemy is trying to deceive you and/or cause you to doubt. When you get together, pray. The Lord promises that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is in the midst of them. He also promises that if we ask anything according to His will, it is ours.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
1John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
The main truths presented:
• We, believers, are positioned in Christ as children of light.
• It is not God’s will for His children to experience the wrath that He has purposed for His enemies and those that reject Him.
• Jesus has purchased our “rescue” from God’s wrath.
• Our deliverance from this wrath is based on the work Christ has done on our behalf—not on what we are doing or not doing at any given point in our Christian walk.
• God’s wrath will be poured out on planet earth at a time often referenced in scripture as “the day of the Lord” and is for a specific time and purpose.
• Those who are unbelievers, who have rejected Christ as Savior, will not be able to escape experiencing that wrath once the appointed time begins.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment