(a) Why, according to Paul, should believers prepare for the second coming of the Lord? (b) State two reasons why this second coming is significant.

(a) Why, according to Paul, believers should prepare for the second coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they had no need for anything to be written about the times and seasons, for they knew perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When people are saying, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape.

He therefore urged believers to prepare because they are not in darkness for that day to surprise them like a thief. They are all children of light and children of the day; they do not belong to the night or to darkness. So they should not sleep as others do, but keep awake and be sober. Those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But since believers belong to the day, they must be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. God has not destined them for wrath but to obtain salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for them so that whether they are awake or asleep they might live with Him. Therefore they should encourage one another and build one another up, living holy, watchful and ready lives.

(b) Two reasons why the second coming is significant

• It is the time of final judgement and reward. Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, rewarding the faithful with eternal life and punishing the wicked, so believers must live rightly.
• It is the fulfilment of the believer's hope and salvation. The second coming completes God's plan of redemption, when the dead in Christ will rise and the faithful will be gathered to be with the Lord for ever.