comfort one another with these words

“Can your eschatology make me love Jesus more?” What a gut-punching question! I overheard it one Sunday morning during a spirited discussion between an older brother in Christ and a younger man. Unsurprisingly, the younger fellow responded with a resounding “Yes.” As a young pastor, I admit I caved to the temptation to respond likewise. However, by God’s grace, a second thought about the question has me reexamining my words.

The question revealed a blind spot for me. But first, what is eschatology? Eschatology is the study of the end times. You can find a detailed explanation of the subject in a good systematic theology textbook. Through meticulous Bible study, such books organize central doctrines in Scripture, arrange and explain them in a logical manner by topic.

However, the aim of Bible study is not to write systematic theologies. The goal of opening God’s Word is to meet with God Himself and grow in deep affection and delight for Him (see Ps. 119:12-16). Since this is the case, I should be able to present my end-times position, expecting my listeners to adore Christ even more, right? After honestly considering the question, I wasn’t so sure.

Theology lovers can relate. We passionately articulate the central tenets of our theological positions, sometimes engaging in earnest debates, occasionally stumping our equally passionate opponents. “Winning” an argument can have the adrenaline-pumping feeling of an action movie hero who slowly and victoriously walks away from an explosion, utterly unaffected by the blast's shrapnel or force. But much like that hero, we ignore the destruction and devastation in our wake. Trust me; I’ve been there.

So I return to the question: Can our eschatology make others love Jesus more? Is our understanding of Christ’s imminent return life giving? Or is it cold and lifeless? Can we declare this doctrine to others, spurring their affections? Or are our words spiritually lethargic?

The apostle Paul found himself in a situation where he used eschatology to comfort a confused congregation. First Thessalonians 4 displays Paul’s example of using eschatology to speak life afresh to weary souls. If we follow Paul’s model, we can do the same.

THE CONFUSION

Despite their commendable love and generosity, the Thessalonians misunderstood the end times. Verse 13 tells us they believed Christians who died before Christ’s return missed the boat. Paul says, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep” (1 Thess. 4:13a, NASB).

Paul planted the Thessalonican church but had to leave quickly following intense persecution, so he did not have the chance to teach them the rich truths surrounding the end times. But his fatherly heart compelled him to write when the apostle heard about their confusion. We see his heart in the rest of verse 13: “So that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope” (v. 13b). Unlike the rest of the world, Christians need not fear Christ’s Second Coming.

Next, he clears the confusion with godly correction.

THE CORRECTION

Paul writes: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus” (v.14). The expression “fallen asleep” is a euphemism for physical death. The church feared that physical death meant the end, even for Christians. If the Thessalonians were right, the death of a brother or sister in Christ would be devastating—especially considering some of the powerhouses who died at this point in church history (e.g., Stephen and the apostle James).

Thankfully, Christians can take courage; God will bring them back to life! Clearing up additional confusion, Paul declares that he speaks with God’s authority: “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep” (v. 15).

Knowing that Paul spoke with God’s authority likely put their minds at ease. This verse reminds us that diligently studying Scripture qualifies us to speak with God’s authority, which could be the very thing that keeps our listeners out of the pits of despair.

Next, Paul wrote that God Himself will take us up. Verse 16 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” With a shout loud enough to wake the dead, God will assemble His people in preparation for their departure.

Then, gloriously, God will rapture His Church, snatching us up to heaven! “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with [those who died] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (v.17). What a promise!

THE COMFORT

Sadly, many theological debates fail to do what Paul does next. Often we air out our position and dub the most articulate speaker the winner. However, Paul does something different. He calls the Thessalonians to action. Christians do not hoard God’s Word; we act!

So what is Paul’s expectation? That the Thessalonians would “comfort one another with these words” (v. 18). In other words, Paul is saying, “God is going to do wonderful things for all who trust Christ—alive and dead alike! Don’t worry. Speak this life-giving truth to those who are weary. Comfort one another.” No doubt these words spurred their affection for Christ!

Did your last theological discussion end like this? Were your listeners comforted by the glorious promises of God’s Word? Eschatology is essential. As stewards of God’s word, we must study diligently and handle His truth accurately (see 2 Tim. 2:15). But sometimes, the best thing we can do before sharing our theological positions with others is to ask, “Will my eschatology make them love Jesus more?”