Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
Bible Verse: "He will punish those who . . . do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus . . . They will be punished with everlasting destruction. . . ." (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
When Jesus Christ comes again, it will be a final day of judgment for those who have rejected Him. Some speak of more than one judgment with a time period between them. Not Paul. He said those who have heard the gospel and rejected it, will be punished with "everlasting destruction." This is not annihilation (Paul uses the same word olethros in 1 Cor 5:5), but a state of being 'ruined' and shut out from the Presence of Almighty God.
When will this happen? It will happen on the day the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels..... on the day He comes to be glorified in His holy people (Eph 5:27) and to be marveled at among all those who have believed (2 Thess 1:7,10).
All those who wait for His glorious coming will gaze in wonder (thaumazo) and amazement at the sight. God will raise them up, suddenly, from the dust of the earth with resurrected bodies and they will be caught up (or snatched away, harpazo) to join their Lord in the air. (Daniel 12:2; 1 Thess 4:16-18)
The Spirit of the Lord will snatch the believers away with sudden force, the same word our Lord used in the parable of the sower when He said, "the evil one comes and snatches away" what was sown in the heart of His hearers. (Matt 13:19).
Jesus Christ took the punishment (judgment) for every person who has put their trust in Him. When Christ died on the cross, your sins and mine were laid on Him. If you believe this and repent of your sins, God says, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." (Heb 10:17)
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he had crossed over from death to life." (John 5:24).
Paul assured those who have faith in Jesus Christ, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.. . . ." (Rom 8:1).
Do you fear God's judgment? Christians have nothing to fear. Jesus is our refuge. We hide in Him. We are accepted in Him and because of His perfect sacrifice for us.
For those who are not sure, God says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31). Right now, bow your heart and your head and ask God to forgive you for Jesus' sake. Leave your old way of life and God will give your strength to live a new life in Christ.
Prayer: Dear God. Please help me to believe Your word, that there is no judgment for me if I trust Jesus Christ. Because He took my judgment, I can go free. I thank You in His name. Amen.
Manna Publications
5.7.2008
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