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Then we which are alive and remain shall
Be caught up together with them in the clouds, To meet the Lord in the air: and so ever be With the Lord. 1Thes4:17 For yourselves know perfectly that the day Of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1Thes5:2 There is a stark contrast in the second coming of Christ between the church and the unbeliever. For the church the second coming of Christ is a comfort. In 1Thes4:16-18 Paul describes the rapture of the church. The bridegroom is coming for the bride and we will meet the Lord in the clouds and be forever with the Lord. Contrast this with the unbeliever. In 1Thes5:1-4 Paul likens Christ coming to a thief. This is a chilling contrast. We know from John10:10 that the thief comes only to kill and steal and to destroy. For the unbeliever the second coming of Christ comes with ‘sudden destruction’. A thief comes unexpectedly, suddenly, and with great terror. Paul is telling the church to warn the unbeliever that if they do not watch and be sober, the second coming of Christ will overtake them as a thief and they will end up in hell. The first coming of Christ came without condemnation. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly (John10:10). I come not to condemn the world but that the world through me might be saved (John3:17). But when Christ comes the second time it will be over. He will separate the sheep from the goat: the saved from the unsaved and those not ready will end up in hell. Our purpose in these last days is to warn the world that they must be ready for Christ. If they are not, he will come as a thief! Be reconciled to Christ! Accept him as Lord and Savior of your life! Plead the blood for the remission of sin! Enter into the joy of the Lord! Get ready to greet him when he comes! Get ready! Amen. |