1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Hello! The passage we will be looking at today is 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 which states, "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live together with Him."

A few quick points about these two verses....

1. A Christian is not appointed to wrath. This is great news! It is especially great news when you consider the fact that "we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind" (Ephesians 2:3). According to Colossians 3:6-7, the wrath of God is coming because of sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, idolatry, etc... If I got what I deserve I would certainly have to face the wrath of God (because of my sins). But, because of the Lord Jesus Christ my appointment with God's wrath has been canceled!!!

I used to dread going to the dentist when I was kid (I just stopped going when I became an adult!) It was always a good thing when my Mom forgot my appointment or it was canceled. A canceled appointment meant I did not have to suffer for 30 minutes in the big green chair! How much better is it to know that I no longer have an appointment with the wrath of God! It is 1000X better!

2. The Lord Jesus Christ died for us. The message of the Bible is that Jesus became a man in order to die for the sins of the world. John 3:16 simply states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Isaiah 53:5 states, "He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our sins, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Because the Lord Jesus Christ took my punishment upon Himself on the cross I do not have to face the wrath of God! He took my appointment. I appreciate it. I hope you do too.

3. Jesus died for us so that we could live with Him. Jesus did not die for us simply because he wanted to keep us out of hell (avoid the wrath of God). He died for us "so that we can live together with Him." That means that the Lord Jesus Christ really wants to be with you! He really wants to be in your company! He really wants to live together with you!

Jesus did not die on the cross because "it is the right thing to do." He does not invite you to heaven because "it is the right thing to do." He died for you, and invites you to heaven, because he wants to be with you! He really wants you to come to His house! He loves you!

I hope these 2 simple verses allow you to see into the heart of God. God does not want to punish you. He wants you to live with Him forever! I will simply end this blog by encouraging you to reread the passage...

"For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live together with Him."
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.