The Reason for the Rapture
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

© 2006 Steve Lewis - contact@SpiritAndTruth.org

COURSE

What is going to happen after the Rapture (1 Thess. 5:1-3)

Believers no longer belong to the realm of darkness (1 Thess. 5:4-7)

Since believers are "of the day," how should we behave? (1 Thess. 5:8)

The reason for the Rapture: God has not destined believers to experience His wrath (1 Thess. 5:9-11)

Contrasts between Believers and Unbelievers from this passage:

BELIEVERSUNBELIEVING WICKED
Informed and aware of the "times and epochs" of the Second Coming of Christ in judgment. Ignoring or ignorant of the "times and epochs" of the Second Coming of Christ.
Not laden with judgment. The Lord Jesus Christ took upon Himself the believer's judgment. Pregnant and increasingly heavy with the judgment of the Lord. Birth pains will soon begin, and judgment will be inescapable.
Not existing in the realm of darkness or night, and therefore not eligible for the visitation of the "Day of the Lord." Belong to the realm of darkness or night, and therefore are destined for the visitation of the "Day of the Lord."
Not spiritually insensitive or asleep. Not immersed in the things of the world so that they live like unbelievers. Spiritually asleep or intoxicated -- living a life of selfish pleasure and sensual indulgence.
Not destined to experience the wrath of God at the coming "Day of the Lord." Destined to experience God's wrath during the "Day of the Lord."

Points of Application: