September 28, 2010 – 1 Thessalonians 5

Paul closes his letter with a quick how to live a Christian life.  V 9 and 10 talk about who Christ died for.  It uses the word us several times.  Some might interpreted that as strictly meaning Paul and the Thessalonians.  I think it means all of us, every single human that has ever existed.  If it does mean everyone, if goes in the face of the idea of double predestination (The theology that God has destined some for heaven and some for hell).  Clearly it says that “God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation.”  The goal for all of us, God’s will and want for all of us, is to share eternity with Him.  That is why we were created, but we had the fall.  That is why Jesus came, but we must follow what He taught.  God wants us with Him, all of us.  We need to take Christ death personally, because that is how Christ meant for it to be.  It was done for each of us and all of us. 

v. 18 talks about the will of God.   In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.  This gives me no suggestion that the will of God is forced upon me or anyone.  There is a clear instruction and we are told what God’s will is, but there appears a clear choice that we can chose not to do it.  God’s will is the plan that will bring us to Him, but we chose to do it or not at our own peril.