Are You Ready?
How often do you think about Christ’s return? Not just a mental acknowledgment that it will take place. But a serious contemplation of all that it means in your life. A real expectation which translates into preparation for it.
A close reading of Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Thessalonica reveals a reference to the second coming of our Lord in every chapter:
a. 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10
b. 1 Thessalonians 2:14–20
c. 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13
d. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
These final verses in chapter four focus on the blessings for believers, whether they are living or dead at the time of our Lord’s second coming.
The comparison in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is between those saints who are alive at Christ’s return and those saints who have died.
The comparison in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is between those who are faithful believers and those who are lost with regard to their attitudes and actions concerning the coming “Day of the Lord.”