4:17
Only after the dead have been raised will those who are still alive will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. 4:17 is a verse beloved of pre-tribulation rapture proponents. In reality this verse offers no support for such a notion. First, this happen at the time of Christ’s return, so there is no pre-tribulation aspect to this. The context is of us going to meet the returning Christ. “In the air” could be referring the spiritual realms rather than physically being lifted up. Perhaps most importantly we should note that Paul’s primary concern here is not to provide any pretext for idle notions about any supposed pre-tribulation rapture, but to reassure the Thessalonians that whether we die before Christ returns or whether we are still alive at the time ultimately makes no difference. If we believe that we shall be with the Lord forever.
4:18
“Therefore encourage one another with these words”. This gives us the proper approach to the return of Christ. It is not to engage in heated arguments, but to encourage one another that we can have absolutely sure hope that Christ will return and that we will be with Him forever. In the meantime we are to get on with the work of th kingdom in that sure knowledge. What if a time of really serious persecution comes upon us, what are we to do? Hope that God will “rapture us” out of the trouble? That is a very dangerous hope to have. God may chose to deliver us out of a situation, but there are also numerous warnings and teachings on being prepared to suffer under persecution. Indeed many Christians have done so throughout the ages, and many suffer today. Sharing in Christ’s sufferings is actually part of God’s way of bringing the kingdom in.
No comments:
Post a Comment