First There Will Be Peace and Safety
1 Thessalonians 5: While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
This article is directed toward followers of Jesus Christ. It won’t make sense to members of the unbelieving world that have not given their lives to Christ and simply knowing who Jesus is from a historical perspective does not equate to “knowing him.” We will start with what the Apostle Paul wrote.
1 Thessalonians is one of Paul’s earliest epistles, likely written around AD 50–51 from Corinth to the church in Thessalonica. The Thessalonian believers were primarily Gentile converts (1 Thess. 1:9) who faced persecution for their faith (1 Thess. 2:14). Paul wrote to encourage them in their steadfastness, address concerns about the fate of deceased believers, and clarify the doctrine of the Lord’s return.
Chapter 4:13–18 introduces the concept of the rapture, where believers (both living and dead) will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This teaching was meant to comfort the Thessalonians, who feared that those who died before Christ’s return might miss out on His kingdom (1 Thess. 4:13). In chapter 5, Paul shifts to the Day of the Lord, a broader eschatological event encompassing judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 focuses on the timing and nature of the Day of the Lord. Paul emphasizes its suddenness (5:2, “like a thief in the night”) and contrasts the fate of unbelievers, who face destruction (5:3), with believers, who are destined for salvation (5:9). The immediate context of 5:3 is thus the unexpected onset of divine judgment on an unsuspecting world.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
Let’s break down the verse into its key components:
a. “While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security’”
“People” (Greek: autoi, “they”): The pronoun refers to unbelievers, as the context contrasts “they” (unbelievers) with “you” (believers, addressed in 5:1, 4–5). This group is characterized by spiritual complacency and false confidence.
“Peace and security” (Greek: eirēnē kai asphaleia): This phrase suggests a false sense of safety and prosperity. It is an echo of Old Testament warnings against false prophets who proclaim “peace” when judgment looms (e.g., Jer. 6:14; Ezek. 13:10). In the first-century Roman world, the Pax Romana (Roman peace) provided a backdrop of political stability and prosperity, which could lull people into spiritual apathy.
Theological implication: From a Reformed perspective, this reflects the doctrine of total depravity. Unbelievers, blinded by sin, misinterpret temporal calm as evidence of divine approval, ignoring their need for repentance. The pre-tribulation rapture view sees this as a description of the world’s condition just before the rapture, when society is unaware of impending judgment.
b. “Then sudden destruction will come upon them”
“Sudden destruction” (Greek: aiphnidios olethros): The adjective aiphnidios emphasizes unexpectedness, and olethros denotes ruin or divine judgment (cf. 2 Thess. 1:9). This destruction is not annihilation but the outpouring of God’s wrath.
Pre-tribulation perspective: In the pre-tribulation rapture framework, this “sudden destruction” is linked to the onset of the Tribulation period (described in Rev. 6–19), which begins after the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:17). The rapture removes believers from the earth, leaving unbelievers to face the judgments of the Day of the Lord. Reformed theology underscores God’s sovereignty in executing this judgment, as He has ordained the timing and means of His wrath (Rom. 9:22).
Reformed emphasis: The suddenness of judgment aligns with the Reformed view of God’s immutability and justice. Unbelievers cannot escape because God’s decree is certain, and their rejection of the gospel seals their fate (John 3:36).
c. “As labor pains come upon a pregnant woman”
Imagery: This metaphor draws from Old Testament eschatological language (e.g., Isa. 13:8; Jer. 6:24), where labor pains symbolize the inevitability, intensity, and inescapability of judgment. Once labor begins, it cannot be stopped.
Pre-tribulation application: The labor pains imagery is often connected to the “birth pains” of the Tribulation (Matt. 24:8, where Jesus uses similar language). In the pre-tribulation view, these pains mark the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation, which follows the rapture. The Reformed perspective sees this as part of God’s covenantal judgment, where He fulfills His promises to judge the wicked and redeem His people.
d. “And they will not escape”
Certainty of judgment: The Greek phrase ou mē ekphygōsin uses a double negative for emphasis, meaning “they absolutely will not escape.” This underscores the finality of God’s wrath on the unrepentant.
Reformed theology: This aligns with the doctrine of perseverance of the saints (in contrast to the fate of unbelievers) and God’s elective grace. Believers, chosen by God, are spared from wrath (1 Thess. 5:9), while unbelievers face certain judgment due to their rejection of Christ.
Pre-tribulation view: The phrase reinforces the idea that those left behind after the rapture will face the Tribulation’s judgments, with no escape apart from repentance during that period (e.g., the salvation of some during the Tribulation, Rev. 7:14).
Theological Framework
Reformed and Pre-Tribulation Rapture
The Reformed Church pre-tribulation rapture perspective combines the soteriological and eschatological distinctives of Reformed theology with a dispensational understanding of the rapture. Let’s unpack how these frameworks shape the interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 5:3:
Reformed Theology
Sovereignty of God: Reformed theology emphasizes that God sovereignly orchestrates all events, including the timing of the rapture and the Day of the Lord. The sudden destruction in 5:3 reflects God’s purposeful judgment on a rebellious world (Rom. 1:18–32).
Total Depravity: The false cry of “peace and security” reveals humanity’s sinful delusion, as unbelievers suppress the truth (Rom. 1:18) and fail to discern the signs of impending judgment.
Elective Grace: The contrast between “they” (unbelievers) and “you” (believers) in 5:1–11 underscores God’s election. Believers are “children of light” (5:5) because of God’s gracious choice, not their own merit (Eph. 1:4–5).
Perseverance of the Saints: Believers are assured of salvation and exemption from wrath (5:9, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation”). This promise comforts the elect, who will be raptured before the Tribulation.
Pre-Tribulation Rapture
Rapture Timing: The pre-tribulation view holds that the rapture (1 Thess. 4:17) occurs before the seven-year Tribulation, sparing the church from God’s wrath (Rev. 3:10). 1 Thessalonians 5:3 describes the world’s condition at the moment of or immediately following the rapture, when unbelievers are caught off guard by the Tribulation’s onset.
Day of the Lord: In this view, the Day of the Lord encompasses the entire Tribulation period and extends to Christ’s second coming and millennial reign. The “sudden destruction” in 5:3 marks the beginning of this period, triggered by the rapture’s removal of the church and the subsequent rise of the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:3–8).
Imminence: The pre-tribulation perspective emphasizes the imminent return of Christ for His church, with no preceding signs required for the rapture. The cry of “peace and security” suggests a world unprepared for the rapture, which aligns with the “thief in the night” imagery (5:2).
Harmonizing Reformed and Pre-Tribulation Views
Reformed scholars and churches hold to a pre-tribulation rapture view, integrating dispensational elements. This hybrid perspective sees the rapture as a distinct event for the church, consistent with God’s sovereign plan to distinguish His covenant people (the church) from the world and Israel in the Tribulation. The emphasis on God’s covenantal faithfulness ensures that the church, as the bride of Christ, is spared from the wrath poured out on the nations (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9).
Broader Biblical Context
To fully appreciate 1 Thessalonians 5:3, we must connect it to related biblical themes and passages:
Old Testament Background: The phrase “peace and security” echoes warnings against false prophets (Jer. 6:14; Ezek. 13:10–16), who falsely assure Israel of safety despite impending judgment. Paul applies this to the eschatological Day of the Lord, where global complacency precedes divine wrath.
Jesus’ Teachings: While Jesus does not use the exact phrase “peace and safety,” His warnings about the suddenness of His return (Matt. 24:36–44; Luke 17:26–30) parallel Paul’s teaching. The pre-tribulation view sees Jesus’ descriptions of normalcy before judgment (e.g., eating, drinking, marrying) as analogous to the “peace and security” mindset.
Revelation and the Tribulation: The “sudden destruction” aligns with the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation 6–19, which depict God’s wrath on a rebellious world. The pre-tribulation rapture ensures the church’s absence during these events (Rev. 3:10).
2 Thessalonians 2:1–12: Paul’s later letter clarifies the sequence of end-time events, including the rise of the “man of lawlessness” (Antichrist) after the “restrainer” is removed. Pre-tribulationists often identify the restrainer as the Holy Spirit’s presence in the church, removed at the rapture, paving the way for the Tribulation.
Applying the Pre-Tribulation Perspective
1 Thessalonians 5:3 carries profound implications for believers today:
Urgency of Evangelism: The suddenness of judgment underscores the need to proclaim the gospel, as unbelievers face certain destruction without Christ. Reformed theology’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty in salvation (Rom. 10:14–15) motivates believers to share the gospel, trusting God to save His elect.
Hope in the Rapture: The pre-tribulation rapture offers comfort, assuring believers that they are not destined for wrath (5:9). This hope strengthens perseverance, especially in persecution, as the Thessalonians experienced.
Vigilance and Holiness: Paul’s exhortation to “stay awake and be sober” (5:6) calls believers to live godly lives in anticipation of Christ’s return. Reformed theology links this to sanctification, where the Spirit enables believers to grow in holiness (Phil. 2:12–13).
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: The certainty of judgment and the promise of salvation reflect God’s unchanging plan. Believers can rest in His covenantal faithfulness, knowing He will fulfill His promises to deliver His people.
Addressing Potential Objections
Some may challenge the pre-tribulation interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 5:3:
Objection: The passage doesn’t explicitly mention the rapture.
Response: While 5:3 focuses on the Day of the Lord, it follows the rapture discussion in 4:13–18. The contrast between believers (spared from wrath, 5:9) and unbelievers (facing destruction, 5:3) supports the pre-tribulation view that the church is removed before the Tribulation.Objection: Reformed theology typically rejects dispensationalism.
Response: While some Reformed eschatology leans amillennial or postmillennial, other Reformed scholars integrate pre-tribulation elements, emphasizing the church’s distinct role in God’s plan. The sovereignty of God remains central, regardless of eschatological timing.Objection: “Peace and security” could apply to any period of complacency.
Response: The eschatological context (Day of the Lord, labor pains imagery) ties 5:3 to the end times. The pre-tribulation view sees this as a specific description of the world’s state just before the rapture and Tribulation.
Peace and Safety
Consider these scripture passages from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) that associate peace and perceived safety for Israel and/or the world as a precursor to divine judgment and end-times tribulation events.
Following the biblical passages, We can explore a deep analysis from a Reformed Church perspective aligned with a pre-tribulation rapture view (treating the rapture as an unsigned event, i.e., imminent and without specific preceding signs). The analysis incorporates the recent neutralization of Iranian nuclear weapons systems (as of June 12, 2025) and its potential to usher in a short period of peace intersecting with future prophetic events.
Six Scripture Passages
Jeremiah 6:14
CSB: “They have treated my people’s brokenness superficially, claiming, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.”
Ezekiel 38:8-11 (abridged)
CSB: “After a long time you will be summoned. In the last years you will enter a land that has been restored from war and regathered from many peoples to the mountains of Israel… You will say, ‘I will advance against a land of open villages; I will come against a tranquil people who are living securely, all of them living without walls and without bars or gates.’”
Zechariah 1:11
CSB: “They reported to the angel of the Lord standing among the myrtle trees, ‘We have patrolled the earth, and right now the whole earth is calm and quiet.’”
Isaiah 32:17-18
CSB: “The result of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure dwellings.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
CSB: “For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘Peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”
Daniel 9:27
CSB: “He will make a firm covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and offering. And the abomination of desolation will be on a wing of the temple until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.”
Analysis
Theological Framework
From a Reformed Church perspective aligned with a pre-tribulation rapture view, the scriptures emphasize God’s sovereignty, the imminent return of Christ for His church, and the distinct roles of Israel and the church in eschatology. Within the pre-tribulation rapture followers of Christ Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 16:24, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 8:34, Luke 6:46, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27, John 8:31-32, John 13:35, John 15:8, John 15:12, John 15:16) will be taken to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) before the seven-year tribulation, an unsigned event that could occur at any moment, without prerequisite signs.
The tribulation is a period of divine wrath and judgment, particularly focused on Israel and the nations, culminating in Christ’s second coming to establish His millennial (1000-year) kingdom. The preceding passages highlight a recurring biblical pattern: periods of peace and perceived safety—whether genuine or deceptive—often precede divine judgment or eschatological events, particularly for Israel.
This analysis assumes the neutralization of Iranian nuclear weapons systems by Israel on June 12, 2025 (or in the days and weeks following), as a significant geopolitical event that could contribute to a temporary period of peace or perceived safety, aligning with prophetic conditions for future events.
The Role of Peace and Safety in Prophecy
The scriptures listed depict peace and safety as a critical condition before major prophetic events, particularly in an eschatological context:
False Peace (Jeremiah 6:14):
The superficial proclamation of “peace, peace” reflects a deceptive assurance among Israel’s leaders and people, ignoring sin and impending judgment. In a future context, this could describe a global or regional complacency, including Israel, before the tribulation.
Restored Security (Ezekiel 38:8-11):
Israel is depicted as a restored nation living in unwalled villages, at rest and secure, before an invasion by Gog and its allies. This suggests a future period of national prosperity and peace, possibly post-restoration, preceding a major conflict.
Global Calm (Zechariah 1:11):
A world “calm and quiet” sets the stage for God’s intervention to restore Jerusalem. In an end-times context, this could indicate a global lull before tribulation events.
Messianic Peace (Isaiah 32:17-18):
This promise of peace through righteousness points to a future era, but its partial fulfillment could manifest as a deceptive peace before the tribulation, mistaken for divine blessing.
Sudden Destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3):
The global cry of “peace and security” immediately precedes sudden destruction, aligning with the unexpected onset of the day of the Lord. This is a key text for pre-tribulationists, as it suggests a world unprepared for judgment.
Covenant of Peace (Daniel 9:27):
A “firm covenant” with Israel for one week (seven years) is the peace treaty brokered by the Antichrist, initiating the tribulation. This covenant creates a false sense of security, broken mid-tribulation by the abomination of desolation.
These passages collectively suggest that a period of peace—whether genuine, deceptive, or a mix of both—is a prophetic marker for Israel and the world before the tribulation. From a Reformed perspective, this aligns with God’s sovereign plan to set the stage for His judgment and ultimate redemption.
The Neutralization of Iranian Nuclear Weapons and Its Prophetic Implications
As of Friday June 13 the reporting from throughout the Middle East suggests that Israel has conducted a successful neutralization of Iranian nuclear weapons systems. This could significantly alter the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, and potentially usher in a short-term period of peace or perceived safety. Iran has long been a regional threat to Israel, with its nuclear ambitions and support for proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis fueling tensions. The neutralization of this threat could have the following implications for prophetic events:
Temporary Regional Stability:
The removal of Iran’s nuclear capability could reduce the immediate threat to Israel, fostering a sense of security akin to Ezekiel 38’s “land of unwalled villages.” Israel’s advanced defense systems (e.g., Iron Dome, David’s Sling) and international support may enhance this perception of safety.
Statements from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in 2024, expressing a desire for peace and no wider war, combined with Iran’s rejection of direct U.S. talks post-neutralization, suggest a weakened Iran may temporarily de-escalate, contributing to regional calm.
This aligns with Zechariah 1:11’s global calm and 1 Thessalonians 5:3’s “peace and security,” creating conditions for Israel to feel secure before prophetic events unfold.
Facilitation of a Peace Covenant (Daniel 9:27):
The neutralization of Iran’s nuclear threat could pave the way for a broader peace agreement, as regional powers and global actors seek to stabilize the Middle East. The Abraham Accords (2020) normalized ties between Israel and several Gulf states, and further agreements could emerge, especially if Iran’s influence is curtailed.
From a pre-tribulation perspective, this could align with Daniel 9:27’s “firm covenant” brokered by a future world leader (the Antichrist). Reformed theology emphasizes God’s sovereignty in using human actions (e.g., Israel’s military success) to fulfill His prophetic purposes, even through deceptive means.
A peace deal could involve guarantees for Israel’s security, temple reconstruction, or Palestinian concessions, creating a false sense of safety before the tribulation begins.
Setting the Stage for Ezekiel 38’s Invasion:
Ezekiel 38 describes an attack on a peaceful, secure Israel by a coalition led by Gog, often identified with Russia and including Persia (Iran). The neutralization of Iran’s nuclear arsenal could weaken its military capacity, making it reliant on allies like Russia, as seen in recent drone and missile deals.
A period of peace following Israel’s victory could fulfill Ezekiel 38:8-11’s conditions, with Israel prospering and lowering its guard. The Reformed view sees this as God’s sovereign orchestration, drawing nations to judgment (Ezekiel 38:16).
The pre-tribulation rapture, occurring before this invasion, ensures the church is removed, while Israel faces tribulation events leading to national repentance (Zechariah 12:10).
Global Complacency and the Day of the Lord:
The neutralization of Iran’s nuclear threat could lead to global optimism, with world leaders proclaiming “peace and security” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). This aligns with the pre-tribulation view of an unsuspecting world before the rapture and tribulation.
Reformed theology underscores human depravity and false security (Jeremiah 6:14), suggesting that global relief over averted nuclear conflict could mask spiritual unpreparedness for God’s judgment.
Pre-Tribulation Rapture and Imminence
The pre-tribulation rapture is central to this analysis, viewed as an unsigned event that could occur at any moment (1 Thessalonians 5:2). From a Reformed perspective:
Imminence: The rapture’s lack of prerequisite signs means the current peace following Iran’s neutralization is not a “sign” but a potential condition aligning with prophetic patterns. The church must remain vigilant, as Christ’s return is like a “thief in the night.”
Distinction of Church and Israel: Reformed pre-tribulationists distinguish the church’s rapture from Israel’s tribulation role. The church is raptured to escape wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), while Israel endures tribulation to fulfill covenants (Daniel 9:27, Jeremiah 30:7).
Sovereign Timing: God’s sovereign plan orchestrates peace and judgment. The neutralization of Iran’s threat may create a window of peace, but the rapture’s timing remains independent of specific events.
Intersection with Future Prophetic Events
The short-term peace following Iran’s neutralization could intersect with prophetic events as follows:
Short-Lived Peace: The peace may last months or years, aligning with Daniel 9:27’s covenant or Ezekiel 38’s secure Israel. Reformed theology warns against mistaking temporal peace for God’s ultimate plan (Isaiah 32:17-18’s true peace is eschatological).
Antichrist’s Rise: A global leader may exploit this peace to broker a covenant (Daniel 9:27), deceiving Israel and the world. The Reformed view sees this as God’s judgment on unbelief, with the Antichrist’s peace masking his true intent (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
Tribulation Onset: The rapture, occurring before the tribulation, could precede or coincide with the covenant’s signing. The subsequent breaking of the covenant (Daniel 9:27) and Gog’s invasion (Ezekiel 38) mark the tribulation’s escalation, with Israel facing “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
Iran’s Role: Despite neutralization, Iran’s inclusion in Ezekiel 38 suggests a future resurgence or alliance with Gog. Recent Russia-Iran ties () support this, with Iran potentially rearming post-neutralization.
Critical Considerations
Speculative Nature: While the neutralization aligns with prophetic patterns, Reformed theology cautions against date-setting or over-specifying events, given the rapture’s imminence. The focus is on God’s sovereignty, not human prediction.
Deceptive Peace: The peace may be deceptive (Jeremiah 6:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:3), requiring discernment. Israel’s history shows peace often precedes judgment when rooted in unfaithfulness.
Global Context: The neutralization may shift global alliances, with nations like Russia or China responding, potentially fulfilling Ezekiel 38’s coalition. The Reformed view sees all nations under God’s control (Psalm 2).
Summary
From a Reformed, pre-tribulation rapture perspective, the neutralization of Iran’s nuclear weapons systems on June 12, 2025, could usher in a short-term period of peace and perceived safety for Israel and the world, aligning with biblical patterns in Jeremiah 6:14, Ezekiel 38:8-11, Zechariah 1:11, Isaiah 32:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, and Daniel 9:27. This peace may facilitate a covenant (Daniel 9:27), set the stage for Gog’s invasion (Ezekiel 38), or reflect global complacency before sudden destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3). The rapture, as an unsigned event, could occur at any moment, removing the church before tribulation. God’s sovereignty ensures these events fulfill His plan, with Israel’s temporary peace giving way to tribulation and ultimate redemption. Believers are called to readiness, not speculation, trusting in Christ’s imminent return.
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