1 Thessalonians 5 9

1 Thessalonians 5:9 kjv

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:9 nkjv

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:9 niv

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 esv

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:9 nlt

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.

1 Thessalonians 5 verses

1 Thessalonians 5 9 Meaning

God has not destined us for wrath, but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5 9 Context

This verse is found in the concluding chapter of 1 Thessalonians, specifically within a section dealing with the certainty and timing of the Lord's coming and the Day of Judgment (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). The preceding verses discuss the unexpected nature of the Day of the Lord, comparing it to a thief in the night, and urging believers to be watchful and sober. Chapter 4 had addressed the resurrection of believers who die before Christ's return. Paul assures the Thessalonian believers of their future with Christ, but also addresses potential fears and misunderstandings surrounding the end times. In this immediate context, Paul reassures them that while the Day of the Lord will bring judgment on the unbelieving world, it will not bring condemnation upon believers, who have been appointed to salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5 9 Word analysis

• For: (Greek: εἰς, eis) - signifies a destination, purpose, or result. It points to the ultimate outcome.

• God: (Greek: Θεός, Theos) - refers to the supreme being, the Creator and Sovereign ruler of the universe.

• has not: (Greek: οὐ, ou) - a strong negative particle, asserting a definite negation.

• appointed: (Greek: ἔθετο, ethēto) - from the verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning to place, set, or appoint. It conveys the idea of pre-ordaining or decreeing a destiny. It implies a deliberate act of setting apart or determining a future. This is a divine decision, not a matter of chance.

• us: (Greek: ἡμᾶς, hēmas) - refers to believers, specifically the Thessalonian Christians and by extension, all who are in Christ.

• to: (Greek: εἰς, eis) - repetition of the preposition 'eis', emphasizing the direction of appointment.

• wrath: (Greek: ὀργή, orgē) - signifies anger, indignation, and the expression of that anger, often referring to divine retribution or punishment. In this context, it points to the outpouring of God's judgment upon sin and unrighteousness, particularly during the end times. It is a settled, enduring indignation against sin.

• but: (Greek: ἀλλὰ, alla) - a strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast.

• to: (Greek: εἰς, eis) - again, signifying destination or purpose.

• salvation: (Greek: σωτηρίας, sōtērias) - from the noun σωτηρία (sōtēria), meaning deliverance, safety, rescue, preservation, salvation. It encompasses spiritual salvation from sin and its consequences, as well as future deliverance from the wrath to come and entrance into eternal life. It's a complete rescue.

• through: (Greek: διὰ, dia) - signifies by means of, or through the agency of. It indicates the channel or means by which salvation is accomplished.

• our: (Greek: ἡμῶν, hēmōn) - possessive pronoun.

• Lord: (Greek: Κυρίου, Kyriou) - from the noun Κύριος (Kyrios), indicating lordship, authority, and master. It refers to Jesus Christ, acknowledging His divine authority and sovereignty.

• Jesus: (Greek: Ἰησοῦ, Iēsou) - the personal name of the Savior, meaning "Yahweh saves."

• Christ: (Greek: Χριστοῦ, Christou) - the title Christ, meaning "Anointed One," identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah.

• God has not appointed us to wrath, but to salvation: This group of words emphasizes a decisive divine action that alters a person's eternal destiny. The active divine appointment ('ethēto') establishes a predetermined purpose for believers, a purpose of salvation rather than judgment. This contrasts with the destiny of those who are not in Christ, upon whom God's wrath will fall. The negation of appointment to wrath is as definitive as the positive appointment to salvation.

• through our Lord Jesus Christ: This phrase identifies the exclusive means and mediator of this salvation. The lordship of Jesus ('Kyriou') signifies His authority and power to effect salvation, while His identity as Jesus Christ ('Iēsou Christou') confirms His role as the divinely appointed Savior and Anointed One, through whom God's redemptive plan is accomplished. Salvation is entirely dependent on His atoning work and ongoing intercession.

1 Thessalonians 5 9 Bonus Section

The concept of "appointment" (ἔθετο, ethēto) is crucial here. It echoes the doctrine of predestination, not as a cause of salvation independent of human response, but as God's eternal plan of salvation for those who believe. Paul consistently links election and salvation with Christ (Eph 1:4-5, 11). The "wrath" (ὀργή, orgē) contrasted with salvation signifies the two ultimate destinies. Jesus is the nexus point – on Him the Father poured out His wrath against sin, so that believers would not have to face it (John 3:36; Rom 5:8-9). The "salvation" (σωτηρίας, sōtērias) is comprehensive, encompassing justification, sanctification, and glorification. This understanding provides a firm basis for Christian hope and a motive for godly living, as believers live in light of their divinely assured destiny.

1 Thessalonians 5 9 Commentary

This verse offers profound assurance to believers, directly addressing anxieties about divine judgment. It asserts that God's sovereign plan is not one of condemnation for those in Christ, but one of ultimate deliverance. This is not a result of human merit but a preordained purpose established through the work of Jesus Christ. God, in His foreknowledge and love, has set believers apart for salvation, meaning their ultimate destiny is to be rescued from His wrath and brought into eternal fellowship with Him. The wrath mentioned is the just recompense for sin, which Christ bore on the cross. Believers are therefore appointed not to experience this wrath themselves, but to benefit from Christ's sacrifice, which fully satisfies divine justice. This foreordination for salvation instills confidence and perseverance amidst trials, as believers are assured of an eternally secure future, entirely dependent on Christ's finished work.