Whose side are you On?

Read 2 Thessalonians 1.

Abraham Lincoln was once asked if he thought God was on his side.  He replied, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side.  My greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."  The context of that quote had to do with the Civil War.  Of even greater concern, and what should be the first priority for every human, is to spiritually be on right side of eternity with God.

The Thessalonians endured suffering, persecution, and affliction due to their faith in Jesus.  However, through it all, by the grace of God, they remained steadfast.  The Apostle Paul commended them because, despite the hardships, they were growing spiritually and increasing in their love for one another (v.3).

Some would ask, "What is God doing?  Does He not see their sufferings?  Why doesn't He intervene and do something?"  The answer is that God does see, He does know, and His plan for justice is at work.  The Lord is not unmindful when a believer suffers for His namesake.  There is coming a day when Jesus will deliver both earthly justice at His return and eternal justice at the Great White Throne.  The second coming of Christ is described in verses 7-8 as personal, visible, and victorious over all His enemies.  His appearance will be as attractive and devastating as a flaming fire from heaven.  An innumerable army of angels will accompany Him.  

In the final analysis, there are only two types of people described in this chapter with two very different eternal destinies.

1. Those who never placed the personal faith in Jesus. (vv.7-9)
First, the earthly judgment.  When Jesus returns, He will be "inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus."  In other words, He will persecute the persecutors.  Additional details are presented in Revelation 19:11-21.  But there is more.

Second, the eternal judgment.  The punishment will not end with physical death.  It will last forever.  They will be banished "away from the presence of the Lord".  There will be no party and no camaraderie.  It will be an eternity of loneliness, regret, and unspeakable torment.  Jesus provided a brief glimpse of what is to come in Luke 16:19-31.  Revelation 20:11-15 foretells of all unbelievers being cast into an eternal lake of fire.

2. Those who have personally believed the good news of Jesus. (vv.7, 10-12)
On that day, the people of God will experience relief.  Jesus will be glorified in them.  Everyone will marvel at the glorious appearing of the Son of God and His return to earth.  He will establish His earthly kingdom and those who were once rejected will rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 20:4-8).  After the eternal judgments have taken place, believers will spend eternity with Jesus in a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21). 

The unbelieving world may consider the followers of Jesus with little to no value.  Christ declares us as having eternal worth (worthy).  This is our blessed hope.