Articles
The wrath to Come - 2 Thess. 1
The wrath to Come - 2 Thess. 1
The disciples in Thessalonica received the gospel in the midst of persecution and affliction. Some time later, as Paul writes his first letter to them, they were still suffering. Now, even later, Paul acknowledges in this second letter that they are STILL suffering. Obey the gospel, live godly and righteously in your community, be kind and merciful, fill your life with doing good, and what do you get? The Thessalonians received persecution and affliction! But such is limited to their earthly existence. Paul enlightens us on the nature of such earthly persecution for one's faith.
There is a day of judgment coming.
God's judgment is righteous, for God is righteous. (6)
God, through Jesus, has provided the way of avoiding this wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).
Paul describes in this judgment God will meet out: affliction (6), retribution (8), eternal ruin (9), and being cast out of the presence of the Lord (9).
God's judgment ALSO will provide relief to the afflicted. (7)
Paul will add, that such judgment will come upon those who know not God and obey not the gospel (2:8).
As we contemplate this judgment, it becomes quickly apparent that WE cannot know the situation of any particular case. God judges not only the deed but also the heart. God knows not only the deed but also the thoughts and intent of the heart. God alone knows the total situation of the one being judged: his opportunities, his knowledge of right and wrong, etc.
It is with such complete and intimate knowledge that God can render righteous judgment.
Often in a bible study, people we ask: "Well, what about my grandma?" (mother Teresa, my favorite uncle, a wayward son, etc.). The simple answer is that God will not be unjust. The point of this question is usually not about grandma at all, rather, it is an attempt to excuse the one asking it. The 'logic": if grandma found mercy without doing this, then I too will find mercy without doing this.
First, we do NOT know if grandma found such mercy. Second, if grandma is given mercy because she never had the opportunity to obey the gospel, such is NOT the situation of the questioner. He is attempting to excuse his disobedience. Can one refuse to obey what he knows and then expect mercy for such rebellion?
Has God revealed himself concerning such situations? Yes. Jesus is coming again, this time in judgment, He is coming in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus" (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
What lies ahead for you at the judgment? I don't know, but I know God will be just in what He does with you.
Hugh DeLong
