Comfort One Another (Scripture Verse)
There are so many things in this world that could discourage believers in Jesus. Many countries are still suffering economically as a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Several schools are still to resume full face-to-face classes and many businesses never got to reopen.
How then are we supposed to comfort one another as the Scriptures say?
Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:18, NKJV
“Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”
In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul addressed the concern of those whose loved ones have died (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). After hearing Paul teach about the mystery of the Rapture, the people had come to believe it and hope for the reality of their Savior’s return. They were living in expectation of that coming, eagerly awaiting Christ.
Verse 13 indicates they were even agitated about some things that were happening to them that might affect their participation in it. They knew Christ’s return was the climactic event in redemptive history and didn’t want to miss it. The major question they had was, “What happens to the Christians who die before He comes? Do they miss His return?”
They had an imminent view of Christ’s return, and Paul had left the impression it could happen in their lifetime. Their confusion came as they were being persecuted, an experience they thought they were to be delivered from by the Lord’s return.
Christ’s Return – The Blessed Hope
Paul then explained to them in detail the chronology of events that will take place when Christ comes back for His church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). He exhorted them to comfort one another because there is hope for the believers in Christ. This is the blessed hope that the Lord will “catch away” those who belong to Him before the Day of the Lord comes.
The primary purpose of 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is not to teach a scheme of prophecy. Rather, it is to encourage those Christians whose loved ones have died before the Rapture happens. The comfort here is based on the following:
- Christ will resurrect the dead and will participate in the Lord’s coming for His own.
- When Christ comes, the believers who are alive will be reunited with their loved ones.
- They all will be with the Lord eternally.
Comfort One Another
What is so comforting about these words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13? We have hope that the world cannot offer.
This world has so many different addictions in their search for hope but they are not able to find it. It’s because they refuse to turn to the only One who can give them hope – Jesus Christ. Have you turned to Christ?
Since Jesus conquered death and the grave, those who trust in Him will receive a new and perfect body (1 Thessalonians 4:14). There is coming a day when all the saved, both the dead and alive in Christ will be caught up to be with Jesus forevermore (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).
It is also comforting to know that God has not appointed the church to endure the wrath of God on this earth (1Thessalonians 5:9). The outpouring of God’s wrath will begin when the seals are opened (Revelation 6:1-17) which occurs after the Rapture.
Be Watchful and Sober
1 Thessalonians 5:6 gives us instructions on how to respond to God’s words. We should not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. What are we watching for?
There are many indicators that Jesus will be returning for His church soon. Two prophecies that are being fulfilled are in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
The falling away from Biblical Christianity has already begun. Very few will listen to preaching against sin. On the contrary, many churches endorse sin. Only a few know how to share the Gospel with others. In some cases, many Christians are too afraid to give the Gospel because it might be considered “taboo” in their community.
This is exactly why biblical literacy is at an all-time low. We can cite many examples that there is a visible falling away from Biblical Christianity.
The other prophecy is the rebuilding of the third Temple. Not only is there a political party pushing to rebuild the Temple, but five red heifers just arrived in Israel as a sacrifice in the new Temple.
Israel is also building a railroad to transport people to the Temple from the airport starting in April 2023 just in time for Passover. In so many words, the Jews are planning on having the Temple by April next year.
We all better be watching for the return of Christ; He is coming soon!
Final Words
How strong is your desire to know and obey what God says? Are you comforting others with the words of assurance from God? There may be chaos in this world and many reasons to be discouraged.
But God’s word is true and trustworthy. We can hold on to the blessed hope that the Lord is coming to save us from the wrath of God. We must continue to encourage and comfort one another, especially in times when we see others losing hope.
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Recommended Resource:
Can We Still Believe in the Rapture by Ed Hindson and Mark Hitchcock
Christian Fiction … or Biblical Fact?
Today, the hope that all believers on earth will be “caught up” to heaven is being challenged by new waves of criticism.
Is the rapture really taught in the Bible? Can we really expect Jesus to gather up His followers before the Antichrist is revealed?
In this well-reasoned and thorough defense, prophecy authors Mark Hitchcock and Ed Hindson examine the concept, context, and consequences of the important and long-expected event known as the rapture.
Discover the answers to such questions as…
- What is the rapture—and is there any historical precedent for it?
- Why do some believers object to the idea of a rapture?
- Does the timing of the rapture really make a difference?
As you explore what Scripture says about the end times, you’ll get a grander glimpse of your glorious future and the deepest hope of every follower of Jesus.