According to Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, the church in Thessalonica was waiting for Jesus to return and rescue them from "the wrath to come." (1:10)
The basis of this hope, he said, is the fact that "God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (5:9) This hope of salvation is pictured as a helmet, which protects a soldier in battle (5:8) and it is a source of encouragement and edification for the church. (5:11)
But what is the wrath from which the church is to be delivered?
Clearly, it is the wrath of "the day of the Lord" (5:2) also called, "the day of the Lord's wrath" (Zephaniah 1:18) when the "wrath of the Lamb," Jesus Christ, (Revelation 6:16) will fall on the world prior to His return in glory to reign upon the earth. (Revelation 4-19)
The day of the Lord begins with "The Tribulation."
The apostle reassured the church that they would not experience the day of the Lord.
He said, "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief." (5:4) He also warned them not to let anyone deceive them into thinking it would. (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3)
How will the Lord rescue His church from this coming day of wrath?
He will descend from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise first and living Christians will be caught up (or raptured) with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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