The book of 2 Thessalonians
Return of the King
Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and how we will be gathered to him.
(2 Thess. 2:1 NLT)
“Now we see things perfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NLT)
1.Wrath of man vs. Wrath of God
Wrath of man vs. Wrath of God
“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart you store up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;”
(Romans 2:5 KJV)
He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Ps 78:49 KJV)
Then I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. “
(Revelation 16:1 NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJV) For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. The “Parousia” and “episunagoge”
Now, dear brothers and sisters let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and how we will be gathered to meet him.
(2 Thessalonians 2:1 NLT)
3. The “ day of the Lord” vs. the “day of Christ”.
“If only the day of the Lord were here!” (Amos 5:18 NLT)
“Yes, the day of the Lord will be dark and hopeless, without a ray of joy or hope.” (Amos 5:20 NLT)
When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people— praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him. (2 Thessalonians 1:10 NLT)
…..that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without a fence till the day of Christ, (Php. 1:10 KJV)
….holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” (Php 2:16 KJV)
“Parousia”
The “ day of the Lord” is the subject of 2 Thess. 2:3 and following.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall shall not come, except their come, a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thess. 2:3 KJV)
- Day of Christ – “Parousia” – rapture
- “ Falling away” – Antichrist revealed. – “apostasia”
- Day of the Lord – dark days, judgment, wrath of God
“Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36 NLT)
Next week, The Antichrist- When? How? Who?