Our Scripture meditation is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1–5, the start of next week’s Epistle reading.
[1] Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. [2] For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. [4] But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. [5] For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
There are two distinctively different groups of Christians who are weighed down by Jesus’ return in judgement.
The first group are uncertain about how Jesus’ will judge them. They know they were born in sin and have committed sins. For any number of reasons, they are not certain being saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ has truly made them holy.
If you are in this group, you’re coming judgement will be a joyful surprise. You are indeed saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Your sins – all your sins – were already counted against Jesus. On his return, Jesus will declare righteous. After all, Jesus is the one who made you righteous.
I confess to being in the second group: Christians weighed down by the fact that unsaved friends and family will have run out of time to trust in Jesus. Once Christ returns our eternal fates are sealed. From the beginning of the Reformation more than 500 years ago, this truth has motivated us to share Jesus with our neighbors, help our churches reach out with the Gospel, and support international mission work.
As you prepare this week for the final Sunday in the Church Year, take some time to contemplate Jesus’ return. Then find reassurance in your eternal salvation with your fellow church members in worship this weekend.
Kevin Wilson 360 