“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1st Thessalonians 5:4-11

Christians do not know the exact time of the return on Jesus Christ more than any other person. However, the diligent disciple of the Lord is earnestly looking for it. Therefore, it will not “overtake” him, it will be a day of great joy and delight!

Contrary to the popular opinion in Christendom today, the return of Jesus Christ should not be used to scare anyone into repentance and discipleship. God has not appointed us to wrath! Anyone who uses the return of Jesus Christ to scare children of God is not preaching the gospel of grace.

These verses teach us that we should take the knowledge of the fact of the return of Christ and use it in our daily lives. This doctrine should bring joy not fear. The return of Jesus Christ will usher in an eternity where we will forever be with the Lord. This hope can sustain us through the deepest trial and trouble.

Therefore, let us walk in the hope of the imminent return of our Redeemer! Let us love one another and walk by faith until He takes us home.