The Day of the Lord
Chapter 5 begins with the timing of the “day of the Lord”. The day of the Lord is understood in both the old and new testaments to be a reference to a period of God’s judgment. Here is what Paul writes in verses 1-3: “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” A small post like this doesn’t have time to go into all of the nuances of the day of the Lord. If you’d like to talk more about it, please let me know. What I want to highlight here is the suddenness of the day of judgment and the idea that those in it cannot escape. The first metaphor Paul uses is the idea of a thief in the night. No one knows when a thief is coming, or he would keep the light on and be ready. The word “they” in verse 3 is a reference to unbelievers. This is very clear in verse 4 which we’ll read tomorrow. Unbelievers will be surprised by the day of judgment. The next metaphor is the onset of labor pains. I’ve never experienced labor pains but I’ve talked to enough women who have described that sometimes they come very suddenly and without notice. This is the aspect of the day of judgment that Paul is emphasizing. Also note that this judgment brings destruction and the inability to escape. In my opinion, when Jesus returns for His church there will be little to no opportunity for people to be saved after His return. I could be wrong, but I think this is consistent with what we are taught in the book of Revelation. The time to be saved is now, not later. Please don’t think that when Jesus returns, and you know for sure Who He is, that you will then decide to believe. It doesn’t work that way. Believe now. Escape the coming judgment through Jesus Christ.