保羅繼續他關於基督復臨的教導。他指出，試著要定出主再來的時間，是白費的。常常有一些人或團體，不理這話，強要把這日子「算出來」（任意取用不同的聖經參考資料，來運算數字；或指聖經以外的「啟示」）；而且也常有一些人，就信這一套。在歷史上，就有不少人群，會集在某些山頂，穿著白衣，期盼基督在某一特別的時間再臨。每一次，他們都失望地走下山來，當然也有人因此而覺醒。你忍不住要問，為什麼他們不把聖經好好讀一下呢？耶穌自己說過，我們不能「算出來」，而保羅在此也說了同樣的話。那末，我們為什麼還老是堅持著，用任何方法嘗試呢？保羅說：耶穌會「像夜間的賊一樣」來到。換句話說，那會是非常令人吃驚的。

        儘管如此，我們卻要想著祂可能隨時會再來。我們要「儆醒謹守」（6節）。為什麼呢？因為我們都知道，主的再來，不見得對人人都是一個快樂的時刻。對那些尚未信靠耶穌的人而言，主的日子是可怕的。假如我們的罪沒有被基督的寶血遮蓋，我們必承受上帝的「震怒」。他最恨罪惡，又因祂是公義聖潔的，所以必須向祂償付罪的代價──而「罪的工價乃是死。」

        但是對那些在基督裡「醒著」或「睡了」的人，主的日子將是莫大的喜樂。因為我們將「與祂生活在一起」，直到永永遠遠。

        謝謝上帝，您藉保羅教訓我們「那日子和時辰」的信息。但願您，噢，和平之上帝，把我們完全聖別；也願在我主耶穌基督降臨時，靈與魂與身子能保持聖潔，無可指摘。奉耶穌基督的名禱告，阿們。

English

        Paul continues his teaching about the return of Christ. He points out the futility of attempting to place a time and date on the Lord's return. Regardless, there have always been those who have "figured it out" (in terms of attributing numerical values to various Scriptural references arbitrarily, or in terms of some extra-biblical "revelation"), and there have always been those who believe them. History has seen more than a few groups gathered on some mountain top, dressed in white, expecting the return of Christ at a specific time. Every time, they come down off the mountain disappointed and sometimes disillusioned. You cannot help but ask why they didn't just read the Bible. Jesus Himself said we couldn't "figure it out," and Paul says the same thing here. So why do we insist on trying anyway? Jesus will come "as a thief in the night," says Paul. In other words, it will be a major surprise.

        Nevertheless, we are to expect Him at all times. We are to "watch and be sober" (v. 6), "alert and self-controlled" (v. 6 NIV). Why? Because we are to understand that the Lord's return won't be a happy time for all. For those who have not put their trust in Jesus, the Day of the Lord will be a fearful one. If our sin is not covered by the blood of Christ, we will be subject to God's "wrath." He is angry at sin, and because He is just and holy, a penalty must be paid — and "the wages of sin is death."

        But for those who are "awake" or "asleep" in Christ, the Day of the Lord will be one of great joy. For we will "live together with Him" — always!

        Thank You God for Your teaching through Paul about "the times and seasons." May You, O God of peace, sanctify us completely, and may our whole spirits, souls, and bodies be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.