In 1 Thessalonians 5:3, Paul described the mindset of worldly people when the Lord returns in judgment. He said destruction would come on them suddenly, as suddenly as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and that there would be no escape for them. This sudden, painful destruction would arrive while they declared, “Peace and safety!” Many are only concerned with physical life and whether it is enjoyable, but God teaches us to look for more.
Do not be fooled if your earthly circumstances are peaceful and secure. Even then, you have no guarantee of another day. In Matthew 24:42-44, Jesus likened the day of judgment to a thief whose arrival surprised the homeowner. Peter also wrote, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10). If you are living sinfully, there is an unpleasant surprise coming!
Paul reminded Christians that if they live in readiness for the judgment, it will not be unpleasant, like the arrival of a thief in the night. Instead, it would be a surprising day of salvation, fulfilling God’s promise in Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:4-10).
Although the date and time of the judgment cannot be predicted, Christians are always ready for it, eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior, who will welcome us into our eternal reward (1 Thess. 4:17). The world may say of this earth, “peace and safety,” but it will all pass away. True peace and security are not found in ideal physical circumstances. True peace and security exist only in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. Make sure you are living safely in Him.
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