I realize that godly men differ in their interpretations of prophecy, particularly the matter of the church escaping or entering the time of Tribulation. My own position is that the church will be taken to heaven before the Tribulation, and then will return to the earth with the Lord to bring the Tribulation to a close.

I see1 Thessalonians emphasizing the rapture of the church and2 Thessalonians the revelation of the Lord with the church when He comes to judge.

Paul did not write these letters to stir up a debate. His desire was that these letters bless our lives and our churches. The doctrine of the Lord’s return is not a toy to play with or a weapon to fight with, but a tool with which to build.

Believers may disagree on some of the fine points of Bible prophecy, but we all believe that Jesus Christ is coming again to reward believers and judge the lost. And we must all live in the light of His coming.

From God’s Word: “This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Action assignment: Take time to read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:6 and 2 Thessalonians 2. See if you agree that the first portion speaks of the rapture of the church and that the second portion teaches that the Lord is coming with His church to judge those on earth.
Think for a minute about these two events and your role in them. Close with prayer.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in