Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Sermon notes
II THE BASIS OF THIS CONCEPT IS THE REVEALED WORKING OF DIVINE JUSTICE ON THAT DAY.
Seeing…
God’s judgment on that day will exactly reflect events in the present experience of men. Those who act wickedly now will be treated as wicked then; those who act righteously now will be dealt with as righteous then.
God will act righteously, v6. Cp Gen 18:10, Rom 2:6-11. There is a very heavy emphasis here on justice. A number of different terms make this clear.
recompense. This word indicates a strict repayment in kind. It appears in v6 and is obviously implied in v7. This idea of retributive justice is seen in the use of the terms tribulation and trouble, v6. They are the same root term. Cp Ps 94:23.
Taking vengeance. This word means ‘to do/execute/vindicate justice’. Justice will be done.
Justice for the wicked, v6, 8-9. There will be tribulation for those who oppose and trouble the saints of God. This is an aspect of the endurance of believers, Rev 14:12. This tribulation is further defined and explained:
The role of the angels in the administration of justice, v7. Cp Matt 13:41-42, Rev 14:14, 17.
The wicked face flaming fire. Cp Jude 7, Zech 14:6-9.
Punished with everlasting destruction. The experience by the wicked of the wrath of God is eternal. Cp Mark 9:44, 46, 48.
The objects of this just wrath are described in a very striking way, v8. These responses to the gospel on the part of those alive as Christ appears, assures them of destruction. The words, however, allow for the plain statements of the prophets that some of the wicked will be spared in that day, remaining as wicked men in the millennial kingdom of Christ. Cp Zech 14:16-19.
Justice for the saints, v7, 10. There is a reward for the persecuted people of God.
The primary aspect of this justice is rest. This is the moment when all of the saints enter their rest. Not until this point does the believer truly enter rest! Trouble is the lot of the Christian till that time, v6, 7. Cp Jn 16:33.
The saints are made like the Saviour, v10. His glory is seen and admired in them. The cause of Christ is linked inextricably to His people. Cp John 17:10.
The outcome of believing the gospel, v10. Their experience of Divine justice in this way is based on their believing acceptance of the gospel. Faith in the Christ of the gospel justifies, Rom 5:1.
III THE TIMING OF THE EXECUTION OF THIS JUSTICE.
Although the legal principle is clearly established now, it will only be executed and applied at a specific time in the future.
- When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed, v7.
- The day of the presence of the Lord, v9.
- In the day of the glory of His power, v9.
- When He shall come, v10
- In that day, v10.
Cp 1Jn 3:2.