The Final Hour and Your Life Today
“...so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.”


By Jon W. Quinn

 

The Second Coming of Jesus is often mentioned and elaborated upon in the Scriptures. This allows us to know much about it. Of course, there are also unrevealed things concerning the return of Christ; things which the Bible tells us quite plainly that they are meant to be unknown by us at the present time. Perhaps the main unknown of these is the "when" of His return (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

Since we do not know "when"; (Is it near? Is it far?) some may think that it has little to do with today's activities or thoughts. If we were to know it would occur today then our thoughts and activities would be quite different, but since we do not know, then there is little or no effect.

However, the Word of God informs us that the return of Christ ought to have great effect on every day we live as His disciples even without our knowing the "when" of His return. Regarding the Lord's return, let us notice something from each of the five chapters of 1st Thessalonians in order. We will find that each chapter has something to say about the Lord's return and the effect it should have been having on the lives of His disciples as we continue to await the consummation of the ages and the beginning of eternity.

The Second Coming and Serving God
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10).

One of the greatest failures of nominal religious practice is the failure to change. Repentance and the putting away of those things dishonorable and dishonest and the putting on of righteous characteristics. People see in the lives of true disciples the things taught in Bible classes and sermons! Don't just tell me how important serving God is to you. Show me! As Paul did - not just "you heard what we said", but also, "you saw what we were" and "you did the same thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:5,6)

The rescuer is Jesus, and the proof of His ability is His own resurrection. This "wrath" He saves us from refers to the judgment to come: final and complete; just and righteous; irrevocable and without appeal. Jesus, by grace, saves us from facing the consequences of our sins by having paid our debt. But for those who reject His mercy, and again we do not know the "when", but when it happens, it will be sudden (1 Thessalonians 5:3) There will be the wrath of God to face. How the world insists on ignoring this, even many in the religious world!

The Second Coming and Winning Souls
“For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19,20).

Paul here looks to the second coming in anticipation of glory for those who have been saved through his and others efforts. He knew he had had an impact on these brethren's eternal salvation by bringing the message of the gospel to them (1 Thessalonians 2:8). He described some of the aspects of his efforts among them (see 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12) and was constantly thankful the God would use him in such a way (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

This joy of serving others in this way is a powerful motive to keep on teaching and living for Christ! Can you imagine Paul becoming neglectful and lethargic the next day? Impossible! And such joy experienced now in anticipation of the Lord's return will be multiplied so many times as you watch those you have assisted rise to meet Him in victory in the air!

The Second Coming and Stabilized Hearts
“...so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

One key to an unwavering and stable heart of faith is a love for brethren and for all men (1 Thessalonians 3:11,12). This love of others is selfless and serving. It is truth seeking and speaking. It is a willingness to sacrifice and it is expressed in what we do, not just in what we say. What do you really want for your brethren more than anything else? (1 Thessalonians 3:7,8).

This heart almost certainly did not become stable just that day. It had become stable through the daily love of God and brethren and our fellow human beings. The time to establish your heart is now, through obeying the Lord, and excelling at it still more as time progresses (1 Thessalonians 4:1,2).

The Second Coming and Comfort
“Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

What are "these words"? It refers back to the context concerning the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Specifically, has to do with those who have, and would die before the Lord's return. It's OK. They have not "missed out". They will be there rejoicing too! To “comfort” means "to console, encourage and strengthen" - i.e "make one another strong with these words". Inform and remind one another of our hope in Christ as we await His coming. This is of great value during hardships faced (1 Thessalonians 2:2). All of us are to keep hope alive in one another's hearts.

The Second Coming and Sanctification
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

The phrase “God of peace” suggests harmony. Our God is a God of harmony. He brings peace, harmony and confidence to uncertain and doubtful spirits. It is not a false peace (remember vs. 3), but one that is based on a valid reason - that reason being a personal integrity of faith - genuine and real and complete (suggested by the phrase "body, soul and spirit"). One of the most peaceful thoughts in this letter - back in chapter one (1:4 - "knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; ") You certainly chose God by faith when you responded to and obeyed His gospel - but He chose you first! This is the great truth that brings peace and confidence to our hearts.

 

From The Bradley Banner 4/17/2011
Published by the Bradley Church of Christ
1505 E. Broadway