In dealing with the saints in Thessalonica Paul, not wanting them to be uniformed uninformed concerning the saints who had died in the Lord, wrote, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [c]sleep in Jesus” (1 Thess. 4:14). That is—because Jesus rose from to life from death, defeating death, we have confidence that so shall we who are in Christ—rise also at His coming. And so, we live in this world, but not as the world, rather as victors in Christ—awaiting the Day that Jesus will deliver the church to the Father in heaven—and put an end to everything that is connected to sin.
Thus, we know what will happen when we die, and when He returns for us—the church. We know Jesus did come because of prophecy. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”. The book of Job, considered by many scholars to be the oldest book written, records Job’s words: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;” (Job 19:25). To Moses God says, “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you. . . and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. . . that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.” ( Deut. 18:18-19). Isaiah 7:14 The Lord will give a sign: “…Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Bethlehem, Jesus was born of a virgin named Marry. But the question isn’t did Jesus come—when will Jesus come again?
Please in your bibles follow along beginning at the first verse of chapter 5 where Paul reminds the Thessalonians, “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.” (1 Thess. 5:1) but, most important, Paul turns their attention to the things they must be doing to prepare for that Great Day when the Lord does come. Prepare Yourselves. For it is not “When” but How Christ Will Come, “2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” (1 Thess. 5:2-3).
Are you ready?