Introduction: “The Day of the Lord” is a phrase that is repeated throughout the Bible. This phrase is a period of time in which God will deal with the wickedness of this world. The Bible calls this period of time the tribulation period in which He will judge the world.

The Rapture:                            The Return:  

(I Thessalonians 4:13-18)            (I Thessalonians 5:1-11)

Jesus comes in the air                   Jesus comes to earth

Jesus comes for His own                Jesus comes with His own

Saved are removed                       Jesus is revealed

Saved delivered from wrath            Unsaved experience wrath

The Christian Doctrine Concerning His Coming

• The Coming Will Be Unexpectedly (I Thessalonians 5:1-2)  (Acts 1:6-8)

• The Coming Will Be Suddenly (I Thessalonians 5:3a)

• The Coming Will Be Surely (I Thessalonians 5:3b)

The Christian Distinction Concerning His Coming

• Identifies not with Darkness (I Thessalonians 5:4)

• Identifies with Light (I Thessalonians 5:5)

The Christian Duty Concerning His Coming

• Wake Up (I Thessalonians 5:6-7)

• Clean Up (I Thessalonians 5:8a)

• Suit Up (I Thessalonians 5:8b)

The Christian Destiny Concerning His Coming     (John 3:36)

• From Wrath (I Thessalonians 5:9a)

• To Salvation (I Thessalonians 5:9b-11)  (Romans 5:6-9)

Application:  Do you identify with the light or the darkness?