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Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 5

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Paul clarifies that the coming of Jesus means judgment and destruction for God’s enemies. He reminds his readers of the frequent occasions when he taught them about the coming of Jesus and the judgment the rebellious will face. Though God has been patient with the rebellious (2 Peter 3:9), this judgment is soon coming. God provides a glimpse of this righteous judgment in Revelation 20:10. In this passage, recorded by the Apostle John, God unveils the future. John writes that Satan and his cohorts will be cast into the lake of burning fire, a final and eternal judgment.

The Bible is clear that there is eternal life for believers and judgment and death after the grave for all outside of Christ. When we place our faith and trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sin, Scripture teaches that there is no future condemnation (Romans 8:1). It’s the same thing Paul teaches us in 1 Thessalonians 5:9, “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our destiny is one or the other.

TODAY: If you have yet to place your faith and trust in Jesus, do it today. If you have, praise the Lord with Ada Bible Worship and the lyrics of the song “Amazing Grace.” “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me.”