The Evidences of True Conversion: 1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1  •  28 min. read  •  grade level: 9
Listen from:
• BibleTruthPublishers.com
(Chapter 1)
As mentioned in the Introduction, the epistle contains very little doctrine, but has many helpful moral and practical exhortations pertinent to normal Christian living. However, it is of note that Paul does not begin the epistle with these exhortations, but by stating his personal concerns for them as a newly converted company of believers. In the first three chapters, he confirms his love to them and expresses his desires for them in different ways. The purpose of this rather long preamble was to firmly establish in the hearts and minds of these new believers that he truly loved them and that he was interested in their welfare. This is essential in Christian work. If those whom we seek to help understand that we are truly interested in their welfare—and that there are no ulterior motives with us—they will be more inclined to receive what we have to say. This means that we need to be concerned about gaining the confidence of those to whom we minister. Hence, from the very outset of our work with people we must have a high degree of transparency so that they see our sincerity and understand the intentions of our ministry toward them.
In gaining the confidence of those to whom we minister, we must genuinely expend ourselves in their favour. When they see our self-sacrifice of time, money, and energy for their sake, they will be inclined to believe that we are sincerely interested in them. The Apostle Paul is a great example of this. When he lived among the Ephesians for three years, he coveted no man's silver, gold, and apparel, but worked with his hands to meet his own needs and of those who were with him. He laboured to support the weak because the Lord Himself taught us that it is “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:33-3533I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:33‑35)). Confidence building usually takes time, but helping people in practical matters works to open doors. For instance, if we have the skill set, we might be able to help them fix something in their house, etc. Paul had the confidence of the Thessalonians already, but he still took time in these opening chapters of this epistle to build on that trust and to confirm his love and care for them.
A brief outline of Paul’s concerns for these new converts in chapters 1-3 are as follows:
•  Chapter 1—The evidences of their conversion.
•  Chapter 2—The need for leaders and role models.
•  Chapter 3—The importance of “follow-up” ministry.
The Salutation
Vss. 1-2—Paul does not mention his apostleship in his salutation in either of these epistles to the Thessalonians, as he does in many of his other epistles. He did not want to approach them on an official line, as though he were giving an authoritative communication from God, but rather, he sought to speak to them on a more personal level as a pastor and a counselor.
He includes "Silvanus and Timotheus" in his salutation. These are Grecianized forms of their real names—Silas and Timothy. Adopting these names is evidence of the fact that when this band of Christian workers went out into the world to spread the gospel, it was their habit to adapt themselves to the culture of those foreign lands to which they went as much as possible—without compromising principles of holiness, etc. This was done in an effort to win them to the Lord. It was a principle on which Paul laboured on each of his missionary journeys. He said, "Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the Law, as under the Law, that I might gain them that are under the Law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ), that I might gain them that are without the law. To the weak became I weak, that I might gain the weak: I am all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:20-2220And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:20‑22)). This shows how deeply committed these workers were to their cause of reaching the Gentiles with the gospel. Silas was a prophet (Acts 15:3232And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. (Acts 15:32)) and Timothy was a teacher (1 Tim. 1:3; 4:6, 133As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)
6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)).
Mentioning "Silvanus and Timotheus" does not mean that they were co-authors of the letter, but that they attested to the veracity of Paul’s remarks to “the church of the Thessalonians.” Since the epistle was addressed to an assembly, all things are to be done “in the mouth of two or three witnesses” (2 Cor. 13:11This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1); John 8:1717It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. (John 8:17)). Therefore, it was fitting that other names would be included.
The Fatherhood of God and the Lordship of Christ
“God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” are mentioned at the outset. Paul would have the Thessalonians to know that they were under the watchful care of these divine Persons. Not only had salvation been secured for them by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 4:1414And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14)), but they were also intensely interested in the spiritual progress of the Thessalonians. The Apostle also expressed his desire that “grace” and “peace” would be given to them so that this would be accomplished.
It is significant that the Fatherhood of God and the Lordship of Christ are mentioned in writing to these new converts. It occurs a number of times in the epistle, and it is not by accident. Paul knew that acquaintance with God as our Father and the recognition of Jesus as our Lord in a practical sense are essential for growth and development.
Knowing God as our Father is characteristic of Christianity (John 14:7-107If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (John 14:7‑10); Rom. 8:14-1514For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14‑15); Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6))—even a babe in Christ knows the Father (1 John 2:1313I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (1 John 2:13)). It is an evidence that a person has "life eternal"—which is a distinctly Christian blessing (John 17:33And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)). The Old Testament speaks of God as "Father" (Isaiah 63:16; 64:816Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. (Isaiah 63:16)
8But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8); Jer. 3:44Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth? (Jeremiah 3:4)), but not in the same way that Christians know Him as Father. Paul desired that these dear Thessalonians would take full advantage of this new relationship which they now had with God and that they would look to Him as their Father for the various needs they would have in the path of faith (John 16:2323And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23)). Communion with God the Father is the fertile soil in which souls grow in grace.
It is also essential that the Lordship of Christ is acknowledged in a believer’s life if there is to be spiritual progress. Having Jesus as our Saviour and having Him as our Lord are not the same. The former is to believe on Him and what He has accomplished on the cross to put our sins away. We are thus saved from the penalty of our sins and made fit for heaven. The latter has to do with recognizing His authority in our lives practically. The logic involved in the Lordship of Christ is that since He paid such a great price to redeem us, we are really no longer our own (1 Cor. 6:19-2019What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19‑20)). We now belong to Him, and our lives are to be used for His purpose. Being our Lord, He has the right to direct our lives in all things. Lordship is closely associated with discipleship. It is a surrender that the believer makes of his own volition—and he should be glad to do it.
Many know Jesus as their Saviour, but relatively few have Him as their Lord. We may say that He is our Lord—and He certainly is that by title and right—but our lives will make it evident as to whether He is our Lord practically. He said, “Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:4646And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)) In normal Christianity, this surrender of our lives to His Lordship ought to occur the moment we are saved. Scripture presents salvation and Lordship as being things that should go together with our receiving Him in faith (Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31); Rom. 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)). This was the case with Saul of Tarsus—the model of conversion (Acts 9:66And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:6); 1 Tim. 1:1616Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:16)).
This exercise concerning Lordship is important because if a believer retains the right to direct his own life after he is saved—i.e., in going where he wants to go and in doing what he wants to do—it will be a hindrance to his growth and progress in the things of God. It is significant, therefore, that Paul emphasizes the Lordship of Christ in this epistle. He uses the title "Lord," some 25 times in the first epistle and another 22 times in the second epistle. In fact, the full title of “the Lord Jesus Christ,” is used more frequently in the Thessalonian epistles than in any other book in the New Testament. This teaches us that the Christian worker should emphasize this aspect of Christianity in working with newly saved souls because it is essential to Christian living.
Vs. 2—Having greeted the Thessalonians, Paul tells them that he and those who laboured with him were giving "thanks" to God continually for the Thessalonian saints, and that they were making mention of them in their "prayers."
The "Vital Signs" of Life
Vss. 3-10—Chapter 1 is full of praise for the Thessalonian believers. All Christians need encouragement, and especially new converts. A pastor (shepherd), or anyone who has the care of new converts on his heart, must keep this in mind, and be as complementary as possible when praise is due. Paul, therefore, begins by commending these new converts for what he had seen in them that were evident marks of true conversion. He lists a number of things that gave him the fullest confidence that they were truly saved.
The reality of conversion is the very first thing that one who works with new converts needs to be assured of. The great question that needs to be settled at the outset of our labours with a new believer is, “Is this person truly saved? Has he really 'passed from death unto life?'” (John 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)) This is important because one of Satan’s most successful “stratagems” (Eph. 6:1111Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) – W. Kelly Trans.) is to introduce false believers (those who merely profess faith in Christ) among those who are true believers in an attempt to thwart and to corrupt the work of God.
It seems that whenever there is a new work of God going on, Satan’s tactic is to sow "tares among the wheat" (Matt. 13:2525But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. (Matthew 13:25)). This was surely the case with the labours of the apostles in the book of the Acts. Satan sought to interfere with the work in various ways by using merely professing believers. There was "Simon" (Acts 8:1313Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13)), "a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination" (Acts 16:16-1816And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:16‑18)), and “the seven sons of Sceva” (Acts 19:13-1713Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:13‑17)), all of which sought to join the work in some way. Therefore, we can be sure that wherever there is a work of God going on, the enemy will not be far away. Obviously, if a Christian worker discerns that he is dealing with a mixed group of persons, he will need to insist on the gospel facts and the need for personal faith in Christ for salvation.
Just as there are "vital signs" of life which indicate that a person is alive physically—heart rate, blood pressure, etc.—there are also "vital signs" which indicate that a person is alive spiritually. In this first chapter, Paul speaks of a number of these signs which he had seen in the Thessalonians that indicated that there was a real work of God in their souls. It was something for which he thanked God (vs. 2). In doing so, the Spirit of God gives us an outline of the things that we should look for in souls that indicate that they have been truly saved.
1) Faith in the Lord Jesus
Vs. 3—Paul begins by mentioning three Christian virtues which he saw in the Thessalonians. These are: faith, hope, and love. These things, more or less, are active in every believer's life and give evidence of the fact that he or she is truly saved. These three virtues are grouped together in at least ten places in the New Testament (1 Cor. 13:1313And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13); Gal. 5:5-65For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (Galatians 5:5‑6); Eph. 1:15-18; 4:2-515Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:15‑18)
2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:2‑5); Col. 1:4-54Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (Colossians 1:4‑5); 1 Thess. 1:3; 5:83Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8); Heb. 6:9-129But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9‑12); 1 Peter 1:3-8, 21-223Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:3‑8)
21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:21‑22)). These things are not only great proofs of a person's salvation, but they are also essential to spiritual growth and practical Christian living. These are the springs that energize a Christian's new life and cause him to live for unseen and eternal things which his faith has laid hold of in Christ. They also form solid Christian character that will be expressed in the believer’s actions and ways.
The first of these three things is the "work of faith." Note: Paul does not speak merely of faith, but faith that evidences itself in "work." This is real faith. That is, real faith will produce evidence of its existence in a person's life. Paul emphasizes this because there is such a thing as "faith without works," but this, James says, is "dead" (James 2:2020But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20)). Paul was not implying that people earn their salvation by working for it, but rather, that faith in a person's life verifies its reality by works (Acts 9:3636Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36); Eph. 2:1010For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10), etc.). These things are not done to get saved, but result when a person is saved.
2) Love for the Lord Jesus
Vs. 3b—Faith manifests itself by works that demonstrate that a person truly has faith—but “love” expresses itself in "labour." Christians serve the Lord Jesus Christ for love’s sake. Their labour for Him is motivated by love for Him, not by legal duty. Love for the Lord Jesus is produced in us by understanding and meditating upon His love for us—“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19; 219We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:19) Cor. 5:14). Since the Thessalonians were marked by their “labour of love,” it was a clear evidence that they truly had a real and living relationship by faith with the Lord Jesus. Such love will labour unceasingly to please its Object.
3) Hope in the Coming of the Lord Jesus
Vs. 3c—The Thessalonians were also marked by their steadfast waiting for Christ to come again. This is the Christian’s “hope.” In Scripture, hope is not used in the same way as it is in the common vernacular of today’s language. We use the word in our day to refer to something that we would like to see happen, but we have no guarantee that it will take place. In the Bible, hope is a deferred certainty; it has expectancy with assurance connected with it. Thus, we are sure that the Lord is coming because Scripture tells us that He will come again to receive us to Himself (John 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)).
Paul had instructed the Thessalonians as to the coming of the Lord, and having believed it, they looked daily for His coming again. Thus, the imminence of the Lord’s coming was very much before their hearts. The proof of this being a real thing with them is evidenced in their “patience [enduring constancy] of hope.” They didn’t just have hope, they had “endurance” with their hope. This has to do with enduring the trials and persecutions that come in the path of faith from the opposers of Christianity. Those who are not real will not endure the hardships connected with Christian living and will turn away. The Lord gave an example: “He that heareth the Word, and anon [immediately] with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the Word, by and by he is offended” (Matt. 13:20-2120But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:20‑21)). Thus, trial and adversity manifest where a person is really at in his soul. Time will bring this to light, for it is a great tester of reality.
The fact that these dear believers had endured the tribulations and persecutions connected with their hope proved that they were real. They were not hoping for an improvement in the political conditions in the world, or in some other thing to happen among men on earth—their hope was “in our Lord Jesus Christ" and to be taken out of the world altogether at His coming. Paul adds, “In the sight of God and our Father.” This indicates that he could see that God’s purpose in saving them was definitely being worked out in them under the watchful eye of God Himself.
Vs. 4—Having stated these first three signs of life, Paul concludes by stating, “Knowing, brethren, beloved, your election of God.” These things gave him the fullest confidence that they were truly God's elect.
These virtues are illustrated (typically) in three of David's faithful followers:
•  "Jonathan" exhibited "works of faith" (1 Sam. 13).
•  "Ittai" exhibited the "labour of love" (2 Sam. 15:19-2219Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 20Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. 21And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. 22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. (2 Samuel 15:19‑22)).
•  "Mephibosheth" exhibited the "patience of hope" (2 Sam. 19:24-3024And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. 25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. 27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? 29And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. 30And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. (2 Samuel 19:24‑30)).
The church at Ephesus was characterized by having “works,” “labour,” and “patience” (Rev. 2:1-71Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1‑7)), but there is no mention of them having the “faith,” “hope,” and “love” that should accompany those things (Heb. 6:9-129But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9‑12)). This indicates that they were going on in the Christian path, doing all the outward things that Christians ought to do, but that they were lacking the impetus that drives such a life. When this is the case, it is usually not long before Christian living becomes a duty rather than a privilege. When that is the case, there will be a giving up of principles and practices, and declension sets in. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary to keep our inner life with the Lord burning brightly through communion with Him. It has often been said that there is no substitute for daily communion with the Lord—it is the believer’s “lifeline.” If something should come in to interrupt that communion (i.e. sin), God has made provision for the believer to regain his communion through self-judgment and confession of his sins to the Father (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)). This is something that should definitely be stressed to new converts. Without it, our Christian lives will be quickly derailed.
4) Obedience to the Word of God
Vss. 5-7—Another thing that Paul saw among the Thessalonian believers was their obedience to the Word of God. This is usually a tell-tale sign that indicates whether a person is real or not. The Word had been preached by Paul and his fellow workers in the “power” of “the Holy Spirit” and with “much assurance,” and the Thessalonians believed it and received it. This was not just a mere intellectual acknowledgement of the truth, but a life-changing experience for them. It altered the course of their lives. Their obedience was evidenced by the fact that they became “followers” of Paul and the other workers with him—“and of the Lord” (vs. 6). It may seem strange that Paul would mention that they became followers of himself and his co-workers before mentioning that they were followers of the Lord. Normally, we would think of it being the other way around. But Paul simply added the phrase, “and of the Lord,” to show that the real Source of their imitating was the Lord Himself. This change in the lives of the Thessalonians was so thorough that they actually became “ensamples [models]” of what Christians ought to be. The saints in Macedonia and Achaia (northern and southern Greece) plainly saw the evidence of their conversion (vs. 7).
As a rule, if a person makes a profession of having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, but there is an unwillingness to alter the course of his life to follow the Lord in obedience to the Word, it is evident that the person’s will has not been broken. There is a very real possibility that that person may not be truly saved. Every Christian worker needs to be aware of this and proceed with caution when dealing with someone who does not manifest this “vital sign” of divine life. The Lord said, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:2020Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20)).
5) Joy in the Holy Spirit
Vs. 6—The Thessalonians’ obedience to the Word of God was mixed with “joy in the Holy Spirit.” This is another sign of reality, because true happiness always accompanies true obedience (Prov. 29:1818Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18); John 13:1717If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17)). Even though there was “much affliction” in the way of persecution leveled against them on account of their obedience to the faith, they willingly suffered those things for Christ “with joy.” The persecution was particularly from the unbelieving Jews in that area (1 Thess. 2:14-1514For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: (1 Thessalonians 2:14‑15)). If a person is willing to suffer for his beliefs, it is evident that he is convinced of them, and that he is a real believer.
6) Spreading the Gospel
Vs. 8—The Thessalonians not only believed the gospel, but they became heralds of it. Paul said, “For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad.” They were so convinced of those things which they had believed that they wanted to share the good news with others. Wherever they went, they “sounded out” the gospel to others.
It is interesting to note that there is no mention here (or anywhere else in the New Testament) of these new Christians being trained in a seminary and ordained before they went forth as preachers of “the Word of the Lord.” Nor does Scripture speak of men going out to preach under the auspices and direction of a missionary board. While these institutions which mark today’s evangelism have the best of intentions, they tend to shackle the servant of God. (If a person wants the financial support of the missionary board, he must go where they send him and do the work that they give him. A conflict can develop when the servant feels that the Lord is directing him otherwise.) Scripture teaches that every Christian is a servant, and that each servant is to look to the Lord and to be directly guided by Him in his work by the Holy Spirit, and no man or institution should come in between (Acts 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4) – J. N. Darby Translation).
7) Repentance & Separation From Evil
Vs. 9—Having received Christ and tasted the goodness of their new-found relationship with Him, the Thessalonians promptly turned their backs on their pre-conversion lifestyle and their involvement in the sin of idolatry. Paul says, “Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” This shows that there was genuine repentance with them, and it is another convincing sign that their conversion to God was real. It should accompany every conversion.
Conversely, if a person will not let go of his pre-conversion lifestyle and sins after making a profession of faith in Christ, it shows that there has been no real repentance with the individual. It could be a sign that the person is not real at all. Repentance is not salvation, but there is no salvation without it. These two things go together, as Paul indicated to the Ephesian elders—“repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:2121Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21); Luke 13:3, 53I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:5)). Modern preaching encourages faith in Christ, but it doesn’t usually emphasize repentance. This is because the focus of the preaching today is aimed at getting as many professions of faith as possible, and repentance (which touches the conscience of man and insists on a change in the direction of a person’s life) is an unpopular and unwanted thing with many. Hence, modern preachers tend to de-emphasize it.
It is noteworthy that Paul does not say that he told them to get rid of their idols; it appears to be something that they did of their own volition. Being truly born again, and thus possessing divine life, they instinctively knew that those things were inconsistent with the worship of “the living and true God.” Note the order of this: they turned to God from idols. The joy that they had in the salvation of their souls so filled their hearts that it displaced any desire for an idol.
It is highly unlikely that a person today in these enlightened lands would bow and worship an image made of wood or stone, as men did in Bible times. But idolatry is still everywhere in the world––it is just more sophisticated and refined today. In principle, idolatry is anything that captures the interest of a person to the point where he becomes an ardent devotee to it and it commands more and more of his attention. Someone who has allowed an idol into his heart (Ezek. 14:33Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? (Ezekiel 14:3)) will usually be the last person to see it, because one of the effects of idolatry is that the idolater becomes blinded (Psa. 115:4-84Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. (Psalm 115:4‑8)). For a Christian, idolatry is anything that comes between our hearts and the Lord, and vies for our affection. Christians need to be careful about this. Hence, the Apostle John warned, “Children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:2121Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21)).
Vs. 10—The Thessalonians not only turned to God from idols, but they went out of their way to “serve the living and true God.” They threw themselves into spreading the gospel and ministering to the saints, etc.––even though they were new Christians themselves! They had a new focus and a new occupation in their lives. They also had a new outlook and hope—“to wait for His Son from heaven.” Paul had taught them that the Lord was coming to take them home to heaven (the Rapture), and they lived in the imminence of it. He also taught them that the Lord is “our Deliverer from the coming wrath,” which is the proper hope of the Church. Hence, they (rightly) looked to be taken out of this world at the Rapture before the wrath of God would fall upon it (Rom. 5:99Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9)).
Each chapter in the epistle ends with a reference to the coming of the Lord.
The RAPTURE and the REVELATION (Appearing) of Jesus Christ
Chapter 1:10, is the first mention of the Lord’s coming in the epistle. No epistle speaks of it more frequently. Scripture indicates that there are two distinct phases to the Lord’s coming. If this is not understood, the believer will surely be confused and will come away with mistaken ideas on this important subject. The main difference is:
•  The first phase of His coming has to do with the Lord’s taking His saints to heaven in a glorified state. This will involve raising the New and Old Testament saints from the dead in a glorified state, and transforming the living saints into a glorified state, and then taking them all to heaven together (Matt. 25:6, 10-136And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (Matthew 25:6)
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:10‑13); John 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3); 1 Cor. 15:23, 51-5623But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)
51Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑56); Phil. 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21); 1 Thess. 4:15-18; 215For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)
15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:15‑18) Thess. 2:1; 3:5; Titus 2:11But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: (Titus 2:1)3a; Heb. 9:28; 10:37; 11:4028So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (Hebrews 10:37)
40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40); Rev. 1:7; 3:10-11; 22:207Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:10‑11)
20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)). This has been called the Rapture––a word taken from the Latin, meaning “caught up.”
•  The second phase has to do with the Lord’s bringing the glorified saints out of heaven with Him when He appears to judge the world in righteousness and to establish His millennial kingdom (Matt. 24:27, 30, 36-41; 25:31; 26:6427For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27)
30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (Matthew 24:36‑41)
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31)
64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:64); 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:14; 213To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: (1 Thessalonians 2:14) Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8-9; Jude 14-1514And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 14‑15); Rev. 11:15; 14:14-16; 16:15; 19:10-2115And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14‑16)
15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)
10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:10‑21)). This coming is called “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:7; 17And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Thessalonians 1:7)
7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Thessalonians 1:7) Peter 1:13) or “the appearing” (2 Thess. 2:88And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (2 Thessalonians 2:8); Matt. 24:3030And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30); Col. 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4); Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13); 2 Tim. 4:1, 8; 11I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2 Timothy 4:1)
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)
8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; (2 Timothy 1:8) John 3:22The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:2)).
The Old Testament saints knew about the Revelation—the Appearing (Isa. 30:27-2827Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: 28And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. (Isaiah 30:27‑28); Jude 14-1514And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 14‑15); Zech. 14:55And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:5)), but they did not know about the Rapture and the glorification of the saints––which is purely a New Testament revelation (1 Cor. 15:51-5651Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑56); Phil. 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21); 1 Thess. 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)). Although the Lord will come out of heaven on both occasions, the Rapture and the Revelation of Jesus Christ will occur at different times. Some of the other differences are:
Reformed Theology sees the Rapture and the Revelation (Appearing) as one event, and this teaching has brought into the Christian profession nothing but confusion regarding Israel and the Church. These two events couldn’t possibly happen at the same time because there are several things that Scripture indicates will occur between them that make it unfeasible. For example, when the Lord comes and calls us away from the earth, He will take us into “the Father’s house” and formally introduce us to that heavenly scene (John 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)). Shortly after that, the “judgment seat” review will take place (2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)). After that, there will be a time of worship “round about the throne” in heaven (Rev. 4-52And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. (Revelation 4:2‑5:3)). Then, after that, there will be “the marriage of the Lamb” and “the supper” that follows (Rev. 19:6-106And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:6‑10)). It is only after these things have occurred that the Lord will come out of heaven with us at His Appearing (Rev. 19:11-2111And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:11‑21)). If you combine the Rapture and the Appearing and make them one event, it leaves no room for these things to happen.
Another common misconception that Christians have concerning the Lord’s coming is that they think that He will come as a "Thief in the night" at the Rapture. However, a careful review of the Scriptures will show that each time the term occurs, it is in connection with His Appearing (Matt. 24:43-4443But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:43‑44); Luke 12:39-4039And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (Luke 12:39‑40); 1 Thess. 5:2; 22For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Peter 3:10; Rev. 3:5; 16:155He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5)
15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)). At the Rapture, the Lord will come to call away the Church, which is His bride (1 Thess. 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18), etc.). He comes at that time as "the Bridegroom" (Matt. 25:6-106And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:6‑10))—not as a “Thief.” Coming as a Thief is no way to take one's bride! Moreover, the passages having to do with the Lord’s coming as a Thief speak of Him executing judgment on the world. This proves that it is referring to the Revelation (Appearing) and not to the Rapture, because there is no judgment to be executed on the world at the Rapture; it is a silent snatching away of believers from the earth.
For instance, Matthew 24:43-4443But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:43‑44) correlates the Lord’s coming as a Thief with Him coming as “the Son of Man”—which is the way He is presented in Scripture when He acts in judgment (Dan. 7:1313I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel 7:13); John 5:2727And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:27); Rev. 1:13-1613And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:13‑16)). He is never spoken of as the Son of Man in connection with the Church. That title is not even used in the epistles where the Church is addressed and instructed. (Hebrews 2:66But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Hebrews 2:6) is a quote from the Old Testament.) 1 Thessalonians 5:22For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) states that Christ’s coming as a Thief is when He will bring “sudden destruction” upon the world of unbelievers. 2 Peter 3:7-107But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:7‑10), connects His coming as a Thief with “the day of judgment.” Revelation 16:15-1615Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. (Revelation 16:15‑16), says that when the Lord comes as a Thief it will be to judge the armies that will gather at “Armageddon.” Moreover, the parable in Luke 12:36-3936And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. (Luke 12:36‑39) indicates that the Lord's coming as a Thief is after "the wedding" has taken place! It couldn’t be referring to the Rapture, because then the Church would have missed her wedding!