Shut Out at the Coming of the Lord

Over the past few days, we examined signs heralding Christ's Second Coming to earth. While we cannot determine the exact time, day, or hour of His return, those living with heavenly awareness should recognize the season. The Lord expects His people to be mindful of the events on earth that indicate Christ's coming. Therefore, although we cannot set specific dates, we should be alert to the signs of the times. Those who submit to the Antichrist's world government will be misled, and the danger of deception is that those who are deceived often do not realize it. They will not anticipate the Lord Jesus, and He will come to them like a thief in the night. When Christ arrives, those who buy into the enemy's deception and accept the Mark of the Beast will seek places to hide from God's wrath (Revelation 6:16). Believers in Christ, however, will be aware of what is unfolding. How do I know this? Because God’s Word tells us. Let’s explore that thought.

Paul the Apostle wrote to the Thessalonian believers that those in Christ will not be surprised at Christ's coming, for believers in Christ will be very much awake to the signs. Here’s what he wrote:

1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; emphasis added).

Just as one does not expect a thief in the night, so destruction will come suddenly on those sleeping or unaware (those who are non-Christians, v. 3). The Day of the Lord will not surprise the believers, though, for as the time draws near, believers will not be in darkness but very much aware of what’s going on (v. 5). This act of being caught up (raptured) will be a back-to-back event with the Day of the Lord (v. 1). God will pour His wrath on those who have rejected the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 9). Believers are not appointed to suffer the wrath of God, for they will receive salvation (v. 9). The Greek word translated salvation is sōtērίa and can refer to spiritual salvation or physical deliverance. In this context, this writer believes it should be translated as deliverance because believers will refuse the Mark of the Beast, and for that reason, they will be persecuted (Revelation 13:16-18). Those who trust Christ will be delivered by being caught up [raptured] from the persecution. Keith Thomas

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Paul’s explanation of what leads up to the Rapture of the Church is explained in more depth at groupbiblestudy.com; click All Studies, scroll down, and click the End Times, then the specific study called The Rapture of the Saints.

YouTube video teachings at: https://www.youtube.com/@keiththomas7/videos