All is well for those that believe in Christ's finished work for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NASB)
[SUP]9 [/SUP] For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[SUP]10 [/SUP] who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
Please bear with me for what I'm about to say? Regarding the context of 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10. And let me preface my remarks by saying nobody in their right mind does not want to go through the tribulation. Now, the Apostle Paul starts out by saying the Thessalonians know about the times and epochs (vs1) and at (vs2) how the Lord will return.
At vs3, "While they are saying peace and safety then sudden destruction." Who are the "they" in the verse? Those that are not saved. Vs4,5 Those that are saved are sons of the light and are expecting our Lord to come, we just don't know when exactly and we are to remain alert (vs6) as opposed to those who are not saved because they are in darkness and we are not.
Vs8, Since we are in light let us put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. This means to me that we are to protect ourselves for our future "deliverance/salvation" when Jesus Christ comes again. Now for vs9. For, (that word for means because) God has not destined us for wrath, (I don't beleive the wrath here has anything to do with the tribulation wrath) but the wrath for those who are not saved will be facing because they are not saved. This to me is brought out but the next sentece which says, "but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." Vs10, "who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him."
Paul is saying (vs9) "God has not destined "US" meaning all of mankind for wrath which is the result of not accepting Jesus Christ in order to be saved/delievered. We gain salvation by what Jesus Christ has already done for all of mankind and we should be (vs11) building and encouraging each other up for the day of the Lord whenever that is.
In closing I would like to address what jackson123 stated. "Mixed feeling between happy and scary.
happy because we go to heaven soon, scary on intensify persecution." Everyone knows Psalm 23 and what vs4 states, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ( I heard many years ago that in order to have a shadow there has to be light) I fear no evil, (why) because "Thou art with me." God will never leave his children alone even though it may seem that way at times. It's also a natural thing to be scared but as 1 John 4:18 states, "Perfect love cast out fear."
IN GOD THE SON,
bluto