“A Comforting Message”

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)

The letter to the Thessalonians begins with a reminder that they had received the gospel in much affliction. (1:6) To encourage the brethren, Paul pens this letter full of faith, hope, and love. (1:3). We may not be facing death or affliction due to our profession of Christ, but surely every disciple should find comfort in the verses we are considering.

First, our Divine appointment is not to receive wrath. The Bible says that the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and sin. (Romans 1:18) For this reason, all believers were once children of wrath. (Ephesians 2:3) Paul has been contrasting the condition of the sons of light with the children of darkness.  Among the later are those who under the cloak of night, stoop to debauchery and shame. Unlike these, Christians are not destined to wrath.  

Second, our Divine appointment is to salvation.  The word “appointment” signifies an arrangement or definite order. The redemption of the sinner is not due to the hasty after thought of God.  God determined long ago to provide a way for reconciliation and fellowship with him.  Though salvation has been ordained by God, it cannot be enjoyed unless it is received and accepted.  

Third, the means of our salvation is through the Lord Jesus Christ.  The redemption of every believer was purchased by the blood of Christ.  “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3) Because he died for us, we will not die. The person united to Christ by an obedient faith “does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life”. (John 5: 24). There is no wrath or condemnation because Christ has appeased God’s wrath.  

Finally, the end of this Divine appointment is that whether we are dead or alive we may live with Jesus. Life with Christ is not solely about our final reward, but enjoying the fellowship with him while we live in this world.  Faithful disciples who walk in the way of God are offered communion and the consolation of Christ.  And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

These amazing truths afford disciples of Christ a basis for mutual comfort and edification. There is no need for despondency, but encouragement and hope. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)


By George Slover 

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