"For God hath not appointed us to wrath." (Page.1 of 3)

       
What did Paul mean? Many think (like the Thessalonians 2Thes.2:1-2) that Paul was saying that the Church will be conveniently Pre Tribulation Raptured from this earth before the first seal opens and the Tribulation begins. They believe the Church will miss the War, Famine, Death, Martyrdom, Earthquakes. (Rev.6-8)  Many think as the Thessaonian Church did, "the day of Christ was at hand," (2Thes.2:2) i.e. that Jesus come back at any moment.

                                          (The chart below is the Pre Tribulation Rapture)
          .

Paul's second letter had to correct this thinking
    
Now "we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering  
together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand." (2Thes 2:1-6)     
 
1.  The "day of Christ is at hand."
     Some make a distinction between the "Day of Christ" and the "Day of the Lord." This allows  
     them to teach a two stage coming of Jesus. One coming to only the clouds, and another  
     coming the rest of the way to this earth, after the Tribulation. However, there is only one 
     "Second Coming" of Jesus after the Tribulation. This is the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ.

     a.  As it was in the days of Noah. (Luke.17:26-27, Heb.11:7) 
          There was no two stage coming in the example of Noah. Noah did not leave this earth. 
          He was protected in the destruction. (Gen.6:1-22; 7:1-24)

     b.  There is no evidence of a two stage coming in the Book of Revelation.
          (1)  Jesus returns at the sounding of the 7th. (Rev.11:15) This is the one and only 7th.  
                 trumpet. This is the "last" (1Cor.15:51-52) of seven trumpets (Rev.8:1-13; 9:1-21;  
                 11:13-15) that sound in Revelation. (Note: This trumpet does not sound twice)
                  (Review: Phase 10)
          (2)  There is only one "Armageddon" that cannot be separated from Christ's return.
                 (Rev.16:13-21; 14:14-18, 2Thes.2:8-9) 
          (3)  When Jesus returns on "a white horse," (Rev.19:11-21) and "the beast" (anitchrist) 
                 is "taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which  
                 he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped  
                 his image. (Rev.13:1-18) These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with  
                 brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse,  
                 which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh." 
                 (Rev 19:20-20:1) And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the  
                 bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old  
                 serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." 
                 (Rev 20:1-3) This happens once, and cannot be separated from the Second Coming
                  (Review: Phase.10)

     c.  There is no evidence of a two stage coming in the Book of Daniel.
          (1)  The stone "cut out of the mountain without hands" (The Second Coming) did not 
                 come down in two stages. (Dan.35, 42-45)
          (2)  The "Ancient of days" and the "books were opened" are a one time event. 
                 (Dan.7:1-28, Rev.20:1-15)
          (3)  The "little horn" (antichrist) wears out the saints for time, times and dividing of times,  
                 (Dan.7:20-28, Rev.13:5, [3½ years]) before Jesus destroys him at the end of the  
                 tribulation. (2Thes.2:8) This happens only once.
          (4)  There is only one "abomination of desolation" and "consummation." (Dan.9:24-27,  
                 Matt.24:15-23)

                 Note: This is important to establish because without a two stage coming, those are 
                 alive and remain (1Thes.4:17) will be still on this earth, going through the "beginning  
                 of sorrows" because "the end (Second Coming, The Day of The Lord Jesus Christ)   
                 is not yet." (Matt.24:6-8)

2.  That "day shall not come, except there come a falling away first."
     Now "we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering  
     together unto him...Let no man deceive you by  any  means: for that day shall not come, except  
     there come a falling away first." This is a one time event.
     a.  This falling away is the "tares" (Matt.13:24-30, 36-43) in the Church that apostate 
          (i.e. defect from the truth of God's Word) because they don't have a love for the truth.
          (2Thes.2:10-11)
     b.  The reality of the Day of atonement in the Church will force their hand. (Also review: 
          Phase 12, Pages.1-9 / Conclusion. Pages.1-7)
 
                  The   apostle said to the Thessalonians.
      
3.  That day will not come until "the man of sin...the son of perdition be revealed."
     When the antichrist is revealed, he has "forty-two months to continue" (Rev.13:5) i.e. 1260 
     days. (Rev.11:1-2) Time, times and dividing of times (Dan.7:25) Time, times and half a time.  
     (Rev.12:6,14) Three and one half years. After which Jesus will destroy him "with the brightness  
     of His Coming." (2Thes.2:8) Therefore, to have Jesus returning and destroying the     
     antichrist before he is reveal makes no sense)
     a.  This antichrist is revealed three and one half years before Jesus returns. 
          (Note: The destruction of the antichrist cannot be separated from the one Second  
          Coming, i.e. parousia. (2Thes.2:8-9)           
     b.  For this to happen the antichrist / beast) has to ascend from the bottomless pit.  
          This bottomless pit is locked until the sounding of the fifth trumpet. (Rev.9:1, 
          Rev.11:7: 17:8) Note: Chart below

                      (Review: Phase.10 for explanation of the order of the Seven Seals and seven trumpets)
          
     c.  The fifth trumpet cannot sound until all the seven seals are open. 
          And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space   
          of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were  
          given seven trumpets." (Rev.8:1-13)
     d.  How then can the antichrist be the first seal white horse rider? 
          Many think this white horse rider is the antichrist. It cannot be because he is locked up.
          However, the spirit of antichrist is already in the world, (1John.2:16-18; 4:1-4) but the  
          revealing of "the" antichrist cannot be until the fifth trumpet because it is locked!
     e.  At the end of his allotted time the antichrist is destroyed by Christ 
          This is the one Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,  the seventh trumpet. (The "last" 
          of the seven trumpets, i.e. "Last trump" Rev.11:15, 1Cor.15:51-52, 1Thes.4:13-18)

4.  This means that all the seals will be opened while we are still on this earth! 
      (Review: Phase.10) Jesus has not returned yet! The antichrist has not been revealed yet and  
      there is trouble. "the beginning of sorrows" (Matt.24:8)
      a.  War (Rev.6:3-4, Matt.24:6) "the end is not yet." (Matt.24:6)                  
      b.  Famine (Rev.6:5-6, Matt.24:6-7)
      c.  Death (Rev.6:7-8, Matt.24:6-7)                              
      d.  Martyrs (Rev.6:9-11, Matt.24:6-7)
      e.  Earthquakes (Rev.6:12-17, Matt.24:6-7)

5.  This means the first four trumpets sound while we are still on this earth! 
      a.  "Hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of 
           trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." (Rev.8:7-8)
      b.  "A great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the 
           sea became blood; And the third part of the  
           creatures which were in the sea, and had life,  
           died; and the third part of the ships were  
           destroyed." (Rev.8:8-10)
      c.  "There fell a great star from heaven, burning as it  
           were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part 
           of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.  
           And the name of the star is called Wormwood:  
           and the third part of the waters became  
           wormwood; and many men died of the waters,  
           because they were made bitter." (Rev.8:10-12)
     d.  The "fourth angel sounded, and the third part of  
          the sun was smitten, and the third part of the  
          moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the  
          third part of them was darkened, and the day  
          shone not for a third part of it, and the night  
          likewise.

          "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through  
          the midst of heaven, saying with loud 
          voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the  
          trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound! (Rev.8:12-13)

                                         (Click here for explanation of chart below)
           
                  (Click here for explanation of the Great Harvest thats brings us to the Wedding)

6.  Jesus will destroy the beast / antichrist at His Coming
     For "the mystery of iniquity (Lawlessness) doth already work: only he who now letteth will let,  
     until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall  
     consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."
     (2Thes.2:7-9)

Trouble before we are protected from the Tribulation wrath

The disciples came to Jesus privately and asked Him "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and Rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." (Matt.24:3-6)

1.  Take heed that no man deceive you.
     This was the first thing that Jesus said as He answered the disciples question, "what shall be the  
     sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (Matt.24:3-6) Paul reminded the Church of this 
     end time order. (2Thes.2:1-9, 1John.2:18-19, 2Cor.11:1-15)
        
                          And we are still here!
       
        2.  Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
     This is a counterfeit peace of the true peace as foreshadowed by Solomon (a man of peace)  
     that built the House of God. (A picture of the true Bride of Christ) (Review: Phase.2-12 and Conclusion)
     a.  Now there are many antichrists in this world now! (1John.2:18)
     b.  You have heard that antichrist shall come. (1John.2:18)
     c.  The spirit of antichrist is "now already is in the world." (1John.4:1-4)
     d.  During this time there will be a competing preparation of the counterfeit Bride for the  
          antichrist, the Rev.17 Woman. Review: Phase.12, pages.4 and 8

                                                        (Click here for explanation of these order of events)

          

3.  That day will not overtake you as a thief in the night
     As it was in the days of Noah, (Luke.17:26-27) he knew when to get on the Ark. Noah was "not 
     appointed" to the wrath of the flood, that is why God provided the pattern of the Ark. ("What do  
     you think would have happened to Noah and his family if he had not had a proper future vision  
     and failed to prepared?" He would have been like Lot. 1Cor.3:10-15, Luke.17:26-30)

     a.  Noah knew because he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord."
          "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." (Gen 6:8-9) We have found "grace" in the  
          eyes of the Lord." (Gen 6:8-9) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of  
          yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Eph 2:8-9)

     b.  Noah knew because he was walking in the light
          (1)  We will know also because we are children of the day. (1Thes.5:5) We will know the  
                 season, (1Thes.5:1-2) but not the day or the hour. (Matt.24:36)
                 (a)  The Day is "Light." (Gen.1:14-19) 
                 (b)  God's Word is light. (Psa.27:1; 119:105, 130. Prov.6:23, John.1:1-9; 3:19)
                 (c)  No "Word of God." No light!  No understanding (eyes) darkened. (Rom.1:21; 11:10,  
                       Eph.1:18, 4:18)
          (2)  You (Church) are not in darkness. You are "children of light" (1John.1:7) 
                 (a)  You "were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord" (Eph.5:8-9)
                 (b)  You shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John.8:12)
                 (c)  Men "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John.3:19-20)
                 (d)  No love for truth. Love darkness rather than light. Deception. (2Thes.2:10-11)
          (3)  Noah exercised "faith" (Heb.11:7, 1Thes.5:8) which came from hearing a Word  
                 from God. (Rom.10:17, Gen.6:8-22) In these perilous times we need to exercise faith as  
                 Noah did in God's Word.
         
     c.  The flood was not "as a thief in the night" to Noah
          It was no surprise when God told him "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." (Gen.7:1)
          Noah had been building, preparing, everyday. His lifestyle was centered around the pattern
          of building the Ark. In fact as the Ark came closer to completion his anticipation must have 
          become more intense. He knew that when the Ark was finished that God was going to destroy  
          the earth. (Gen.6:13) As it was then, it is today! (2Peter.3:1-14, Matt.24:3-14)
          (1)  Our everyday lifestyle should be centered around the building, as Noah's was. 
                 (1Cor.3:10-15, Eph.2:20-22)
                 (a)  Everyone is building regardless of if you believe it is necessary or not. There are two  
                        Catergories. Wise (Day / Light) and foolish (Night, dark)
                 (b)  Some are building with Gold, Silver and Precious stones
                 (c)  Some are building with Wood, Hay and stubble
          (2)  If  we walk in the light as He is in the light" (1John.1:7) and have a hearing ear, we will 
                not be a surprised either. We have been called out of darkness. (Col.1:13, Eph.5:8-11) 
                 (a)  Surely "the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants 
                        the prophets." (Amos.3:7, Eph.3:5)
                 (b)  For "the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew  
                        himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." 
                        (2Chron.16:9, 1Peter.3:12)
                 (c)  Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow  
                        me." (John.10:27) If it were not possible to hear God's voice today, Jesus would 
                        not have said so!
          (3)  The flood did "not overtake" Noah and his family "as a thief" because they were 
                 already in the Ark. This is a prophetic picture of the Rev.12 Woman (The married Bride)
                 who is protected from the Tribulation wrath that was to come.
          (4)  Those that rejected God "knew not until the flood came." (Matt.24:39) 

5.  Therefore don't sleep / watch 
     Paul is telling the Thessalonians that "God hath not appointed us to wrath" (1Thes.5:9) if  we  
     walk in the light as He is in the light." (1John.1:7) If we have a hearing ear, If we are watching  
     and If we stay awake!  It is possible to wide awake naturally and asleep spiritually! (Matt.13:10- 
     17) The second century reveals the Church to awake naturally, yet going blind spiritually, until the  
      Dark Ages where it's eyes were put out like Samson.  (Review: the Blemish of being "blind)  
      Noah was "moved with fear" (Heb.11:7)  Stayed awake!

      a.  Don't go to sleep, watch and pray
           I "went by the field of the slothful, and by the  vineyard of the man void of understanding;  
           (not walking in the light) And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, (the cares of this world.  
           Matt.13:22, 1John.2:16-18, 1Tim.2:4 / 2Sam.11:1) and nettles had covered the face  
           thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well:  
           I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, (Note: Jer.7:1-13,  
           1Sam.1-4) a little folding of the hands (Eccl.9:10, Exod.4:2) to sleep: So shall thy poverty 
           (Rev.3:14-22) come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. (Prov.24:30-34)

           Think on this: To the "natural" (1Cor.2:14) eye, Martha was busy. However she was  
           sleeping, (folding hands) even though her outward appearance was active. Mary was 
           wide awake sitting at the feet of Jesus. (Luke.10:39-42)

     b.  Don't go to sleep like Samson on the knees of the apostate Harlot last day Church
          Noah was "warned of God of things not as seen yet" (Heb.11:7) Samson was warned.
          We are "admonitioned" (1Cor.10:11) to not fail through unbelief. (Heb.3-4)
          (1)  The Laodicean Church was "rich, and increased with goods, (the cares and affairs of 
                 this life. Matt.13:22, 2Tim.2:4 "weight" Heb.12:1-2) and have need of nothing; and  
                 knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."  
                 (Rev.3:17-18)
          (2)  High time not to sleep. (Rom.13:11) This was written to "all (the Christians) that be in  
                 Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." (Rom.1:7) Do not assume anything!  
                 (Note: Jer.7:1-16)

6.  Therefore be sober
     Paul adds, "God hath not appointed us to wrath" (1Thes.5:9) if  we walk in the light as He is  
     in the light." (1John.1:7) If we have a hearing ear, If we are watching and If we stay awake  
     and be "sober!" The word "sober" means to be well balanced. Discreet. Not out of control.  
     decently and in order! (1Cor.14:40) "For the "mystery of iniquity"   
     (lawlessness) is already  working, (2Thes.2:7, 1John.4:1-4) and  
     will be become even greater in the days ahead of the Church.  
     Watch (Eph.1:18) and pray!

     a.  The Holy Spirit river is a river (John.7:38-39) with boarders. The  
          Holy Spirit edifies (builds up, does not tear down) Note:  
          1Cor.14:1-3,12, 17.
     b.   Our "adversary" (the devil 1Peter.5:8) is compared to a flood  
           (Isa.59:19) which is a river defying it's borders (banks) 
           brings destruction. 

           Remember: The Holy Spirit will never guide you (John.16:13) 
           to deny the truth of God's Word. (i.e. His patterns, principles,  
           statues) Note: 2Thes.2:10-11

7.  Put on the breastplate of faith and love
     Paul adds, "God hath not appointed us to wrath" (1Thes.5:9) if  we  
     walk in the light as He is in the light." (1John.1:7) If we have a  
     hearing ear, If we are watching, If we stay awake if we remain sober and if we put on 
     "faith and love!"            
     a.  The breastplate of faith
          By "faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, 
          prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and  
          became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Heb.11:7, Eph.6:14-15, 1Thes.5:8)
          Note: Noah was not "appointed" to wrath because he exercised faith!
          (1)  Faith warned Noah
          (2)  Faith warned Noah of things not as seen yet
          (3)  Faith moved Noah to fear
          (4)  Faith caused Noah to prepare an Ark
                        
          David refused Saul's armor (which included the breastplate) because he had not proven it.

     b.  Breastplate of Love. (Agape)
          Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, ("agape") I  am 
          become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1Cor.13:1-8)

         
(Page.2 Will show how God will protect us during these beginning of sorrows)