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Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians contain the Apostle Paul’s practical teaching on the second coming. While reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians, remember one fact. . .
Paul knew Jesus’ teaching on the second coming. He understood all the prophecies about Jesus’s second coming in the Old Testament, and in these two epistles, he interprets all this prophetic teaching in specific events.
And . . . and . . . we can trust Paul more than any other author who writes about the Second Coming because Paul was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. No other author in history can claim such bone fides!
If you are a follower of Christ, believe in the Bible, and understand its inspiration, then you can’t argue with the Apostle Paul when he says. . .
When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 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. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might (2 Thessalonians 1:7b-9, ESV).
Despite false progressive theology so prevalent today, Paul teaches clearly that many who do not obey the gospel will face eternal destruction.
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul also discusses these upcoming historical events. . .
- A great rebellion against the Gospel through which the man of lawlessness is revealed (2:3).
- This man will seek to be worshipped, proclaim himself to be God, and exalt himself in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (2:4).
- The coming lawless one will deceive many with false signs and wonders (2:9).
- Many will succumb to the lawless one because of their hatred of truth (2:10).
- The mystery of lawlessness is already at work (2:7).
- God is now sending a strong delusion to those who persist in living in the pleasure of unrighteousness (2:12).
Since we are now living in these times, what Paul predicted in his Holy Spirit summary of the end applies specifically to us.
Paul gives three encouragements. . .
First:
That God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you (1:11-13).
Second:
Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter (2:15).
Third:
Do not grow weary in doing good (3:13).
Let me review: This Interruption summarizes the Apostle Paul’s description of end-time events. Many deny these words and offer ungodly alternatives — please, do not be deceived!!!
Paul, who typically had someone else transcribe his writings on papyrus, says to the Thessalonians, “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.” So, we read in 2 Thessalonians inspiration about the end times, signed and sealed by Paul’s personal signature!
What Paul writes to the Thessalonians, we need to read today. . .
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all (3:18).
[Note: you can read the OG on 1 Thessalonians by going to grantedwardsauthor.com and searching for Interruption #1379.]
*Old Guy