Pretty sobering question, isn’t it? The Bible teaches us that every man will die and then face judgment. Thus the question of eternity is not one we can take lightly. I have some great news. “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Th. 5:9).
This verse begins with a negative assertion—“God has not destined us for wrath”—and follows it with the positive assertion that He desires us to obtain salvation. God created man in His own image so that man could have fellowship with Him here on earth and then dwell with Him in heaven for all eternity. God not only created you to enjoy eternity with Him, he provided the means for you to know Him through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation and its eternal consequences are not an issue of “vague hope,” nor is salvation something we must seek to earn by our own merits. The price paid for our redemption was a high one indeed. Verse 10 indicates that our Lord Jesus Christ “died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live with Him.” The words “awake” and “asleep” refer to life and death. The context of 1 Thessalonians 5 is a discussion of the return of the Lord. Paul thus assures believers that whether they die before Christ’s return or live until His return, they will nonetheless dwell with Him forever.
Talk about stress relief! Knowing where you will spend eternity is the ultimate in relaxation therapy. Have you placed your faith in Christ? If not, why not do so right now. If you have, tell someone else about God’s plan for their life.
Prayer: Father, thank you for my salvation. Forgive me when I fail to share it with others. Amen