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2 Thessalonians 1:8
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8 In [en] flaming [phlox] fire [pur] taking [didomi] vengeance [ekdikesis] on them that know [eido] not [me] God, [theos] and [kai] that obey [hupakouo] not [me] the gospel [euaggelion] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ: [Christos] KJV-Interlinear
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. NASB
The terms, fire taking vengeance, and retribution, here indicate the certainty of the judgment of God against all those who reject Him, and against all those who disobey Him.
Those who reject, is a reference to the unbelieving world. Those who disobey are those who have believed but have become indifferent or apathetic or simply have greater fear of the forces of the world than of God. This also refers to those (Jews), who have known or should have a working knowledge of God, but have rejected His plan (namely the savior through Jesus Christ).
Vengeance and retribution have one additional connotation, and that is of violence – extreme violence. And more than violence, but violence that is accompanied with extreme terror and horror.
Why is that?
Because God gave us all a beautiful world and that world is supported by truth, and blossoms as a result of truth. The Garden of Eden is the best example. But sin entered into the picture, and arrogance of man brought destruction to something that was beautiful.
For well over 6000 years humanity has been running the world into the ground, and no Virginia, we are not talking about your pet topics of environmentalism, or global warming, or things of that nature, we are taking of the rejection of fundamental Biblical principles such as marriage, free enterprise, freedom, liberty, justice, rights to privacy and happiness pursuits, and choice and such things.
Today the world is being driven by a fanaticism of liberal political views, which are seeking to globalize governments and restrict the individuals’ freedoms and choices. And these things, combined with the compromise of social standards and the general rejection of spiritual truths, are driving the world to its ultimate appointment with judgment.
Today, you are alive. Today you have the choice to either get with a Biblical study and learn truth, or you can choose to reject all of this Bible stuff and go your own way, pursuing your own self defined beliefs.
Remember, Paul is going to outline some of the events that will be fundamental to the ends times. One of those events is the general spiritually negative views of society. Most folks will reject doctrine and most folks will adhere to their own personal beliefs. And wrong beliefs at that.
Then, one day, the Rapture will occur. Prior to that the general view will be, ‘When will it occur? Haven’t we waited long enough? Maybe God forgot!’ And so indifference and scoffing and doubt will rise.
And when it does finally occur, then folks will miss out on the greatest event of all of history. The Rapture of the Royal Family, and the greatest wedding feast (to follow), of all time.
Those left behind will have only seven years of horror, and definitely no peace to deal with, as the entire world will suffer horrendously.
And then, the horror will only get worse as the return of Christ, at the Second Advent, will have people cringing with fear that causes uncontrollable shaking.
Psa. 97:3
3 Fire goes before Him, And burns up His adversaries round about. NASB
Rev. 19:21
21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat upon the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. NASB
In your life you are faced with one unchangeable truth. One day you are going to leave this world.
The only question is, ‘Are you going to obey God and prepare yourself through doctrine, for the next life, or are you going to do nothing?’
There is only one way to prepare for life and that is through a daily study of Bible doctrine. There is no other source of preparation material anywhere in the world. There is nothing else that will give to you, completeness, meaning and purpose in your life.
