Second Thessalonians, Chapter One.

As we have pointed out, the fourth chapter of First Thessalonians was not written to comfort the living saints concerning the persecutions and afflictions they were suffering at the hands of the ungodly. However, in the first chapter of Second Thessalonians we do have the provision God has made for the relief of the believers who are being attacked for their faith.

Some are teaching today that Christians ought not to experience persecution or tribulation. Apparently neither the Apostle Paul nor the believers in Thessalonica were aware the followers of Christ were not to suffer. The Thessalonians were behaving as Christians must behave during a season of suffering and pain. They were exercising patience and faith in the Lord. Paul was proud of them because of their steadfastness.

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: (II Thessalonians 1:5)

The persecutions and tribulations falling upon the Thessalonians were an evidence of God's righteous judgment. They had been called out of the world that they might partake of the salvation of the Lord and enter God's righteous Kingdom. Therefore it was necessary they stand true during periods of distress, demonstrating their worthiness of citizenship in the Kingdom.

The concept of Christians suffering because of judgment upon them, a judgment necessary for their salvation, is found in First Peter:

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved [is saved with difficulty], where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (I Peter 4:17-19)

It is difficult for the pampered believers of our day, especially in the wealthy nations, to believe God would send trouble on the saints as a judgment intended to make them worthy of the Kingdom of God. But it is true. As many as the Lord Jesus loves He chastens.

The believers who accept suffering as part of entering the Kingdom of God, who arm themselves with a willingness to take up their cross, will prosper spiritually in the last days. Those who refuse suffering, claiming that God wants us happy all the time, will be sent a strong delusion by the Lord. They shall not be raised when the Lord appears. They shall not march in the Lord's army. They have not been found faithful.

To be continued.