1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 9Because God has not appointed us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, in order that whether we are awake or asleep, we might live together with Him. 11Therefore, encourage one another and strengthen each one, just as you also are doing.
Verse 9 gives the theological basis for how the Thessalonians should live. God’s goal and purpose for us is not to experience his wrath and judgment, which is the outcome of living immorally in rebellion against God. The spiritual laziness and disregard symbolized in people people of the dark night will result in God’s wrath. Romans 1:18 shows how those who reject God’s sovereignty will experience God’s wrath. God’s purpose for all humanity is to experience salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the very reason we were created (Ephesians 1:4-5). The choice is between wrath or salvation.
The phrase who died for us captures the doctrine of atonement and how Jesus’ sacrifice resolves the wrath and justice of God against human sin. Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) that we might have eternal life. Jesus’ death and resurrection assure victory for all who put their faith in him (Romans 5:6, 8; Galatians 1:3-4; 2:20). Death does not stop this promise of life. Whether we are awake or asleep means “alive or dead.”
These words should bring comfort to the Thessalonians and answer any concerns they had about their fellow believers who had died. They should keep reminding each other of this hope. This is the message we need to hear also. This hope is the “big picture” of Christianity, the goal, our final outcome, and what keeps us strong through the trials of life. We can have hope and assurance for ourselves and our loved ones who die in the Lord. This passage is also a wake up call for those who live in the darkness of spiritual night. That is a place of no hope with the outcome of God’s wrath. It is never too late to wake up from the darkness of night.
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