Como ya fue mencionado en la introducción, la epístola contiene muy poca doctrina; en cambio, contiene muchas exhortaciones morales y prácticas relacionadas con la vida cristiana normal. Sin embargo, cabe recalcar que Pablo no empieza la epístola con estas exhortaciones, más bien afirma su preocupación personal por ellos como un nuevo grupo de conversos. En los tres primeros capítulos, Pablo confirma su amor por ellos y expresa sus propósitos para ellos en diferentes maneras. El objeto de este extenso preámbulo era establecer firmemente en los corazones y mentes de estos nuevos creyentes que realmente los amaba y que estaba muy interesado en su bienestar. Esto es esencial en el trabajo cristiano. Si aquellos a quienes queremos ayudar entienden que estamos verdaderamente interesados en su bienestar —y que no hay otros motivos ocultos— estarán más inclinados a recibir lo que tengamos que decir. En otras palabras, debemos ocuparnos de ganar la confianza de aquellos a quienes vamos a ministrar. Por tanto, desde el comienzo de nuestro trabajo debemos mostrar transparencia, de manera que vean nuestra sinceridad y entiendan las intenciones de nuestro ministerio hacia ellos.
Para ganar la confianza de aquellos a quienes ministramos, debemos dedicarnos genuinamente a ellos. Cuando vean nuestro propio sacrificio de tiempo, dinero y energía para su beneficio, ellos estarán inclinados a creer que estamos sinceramente interesados en ellos. El apóstol Pablo es un gran ejemplo de esto. Cuando él vivió entre lo efesios por tres años, no codició la plata, oro ni vestimenta de nadie, más bien trabajó con sus manos para cubrir sus necesidades propias y las de aquellos que estaban con él. Trabajó para sustentar a los débiles porque el Señor mismo nos enseñó que “más bienaventurada cosa es dar que recibir” (Hechos 20:33-3533I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 34Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. 35I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:33‑35)). Ganar la confianza de alguien toma tiempo, pero ayudar a la gente en formas prácticas nos abre puertas. Por ejemplo, si tenemos las habilidades, podemos ayudarles a arreglar algo en su casa, etc. Pablo ya tenía la confianza de los tesalonicenses, pero aun así invirtió tiempo en estos primeros capítulos de la epístola para edificar esta confianza y confirmar su amor y cuidado por ellos.
El siguiente es un breve bosquejo de las preocupaciones de Pablo por estos nuevos convertidos en los capítulos 1-3:
• Capítulo 1.— Las evidencias de su conversión.
• Capítulo 2.— La necesidad de líderes y modelos ejemplares.
• Capítulo 3.— La importancia de un ministerio de “seguimiento”.
La salutación
Versículos 1-2.— Pablo no menciona su apostolado en la salutación en ninguna de las epístolas a los tesalonicenses, como lo hace en muchas de sus otras epístolas. No quería acercarse a ellos con un discurso oficial, como si estuviera dando una comunicación autoritaria de parte de Dios, sino más bien buscó comunicarse en un nivel más personal como pastor o consejero.
Incluye a “Silvano y Timoteo” en su salutación. “Silvano” es la forma Griega de su nombre real —Silas—. El haber tomado este nombre es evidencia del hecho de que cuando este grupo de obreros cristianos salían al mundo a proclamar el evangelio, su hábito era adaptarse a la cultura de esas tierras extranjeras lo más que se pudiera —sin comprometer sus principios de santidad, etc.—. Esto hacían en un esfuerzo de ganarlos para el Señor. Era un principio con el cual Pablo trabajaba en cada uno de sus viajes misioneros. Él decía, “Heme hecho á los Judíos como Judío, por ganar á los Judíos; á los que están sujetos á la ley (aunque yo no sea sujeto á la ley) como sujeto á la ley, por ganar á los que están sujetos á la ley; a los que son sin ley, como si yo fuera sin ley, (no estando yo sin ley de Dios, mas en la ley de Cristo) por ganar á los que estaban sin ley. Me he hecho á los flacos flaco, por ganar á los flacos: á todos me he hecho todo, para que de todo punto salve á algunos” (1 Corintios 9:20-2220And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:20‑22)). Esto muestra cuán profunda era la entrega que tenían estos obreros por la causa de llegar a los Gentiles con el evangelio. Silas era profeta (Hechos 15:3232And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. (Acts 15:32)) y Timoteo era maestro (1 Timoteo 1:3; 4:6,133As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)
6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)).
Al mencionar a “Silvano y Timoteo” no quería decir que eran coautores de esta carta, sino más bien que atestiguaban a la veracidad de lo que Pablo enseñó a “la iglesia de los Tesalonicenses”. Ya que esta epístola estaba dirigida a una asamblea, todo debía ser hecho “en la boca de dos ó de tres testigos” (2 Corintios 13:11This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. (2 Corinthians 13:1); Juan 8:1717It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. (John 8:17)). Por tanto, era apropiado que otros nombres estuvieran incluidos.
La Paternidad de Dios y el Señorío de Cristo
“Dios Padre y ... el Señor Jesucristo” son mencionados al principio de la epístola. Pablo quiere que los tesalonicenses sepan que están bajo el cuidado vigilante de estas Personas divinas. Dios Padre y el Señor Jesucristo no solo habían asegurado la salvación de los Tesalonicenses (1 Juan 4:1414And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. (1 John 4:14)), sino que también estaban grandemente interesados en su progreso espiritual. El apóstol también expresó su deseo de que recibieran “gracia” y “paz” para que esto se cumpliera.
Es significativo que la Paternidad de Dios y el Señorío de Cristo sean mencionados por escrito a estos nuevos convertidos. Ocurre varias veces en la epístola, y no es por accidente. Pablo sabía que conocer a Dios como nuestro Padre y a Jesús como nuestro Señor en sentido práctico es esencial para el desarrollo y crecimiento.
Conocer a Dios como nuestro Padre es característico del cristianismo (Juan 14:7-107If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (John 14:7‑10); Romanos 8:14-1514For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:14‑15); Gálatas 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)) —incluso un niño en Cristo conoce al Padre (1 Juan 2:1313I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (1 John 2:13))—. Esto es evidencia de que una persona tiene “vida eterna” —la cual es una bendición única al cristianismo (Juan 17:33And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3))—. El Antiguo Testamento habla de Dios como “Padre” (Isaías 63:16; 64:816Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. (Isaiah 63:16)
8But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8); Jeremías 3:44Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth? (Jeremiah 3:4)), pero no de la misma manera que los cristianos lo conocen como Padre. Pablo deseaba que estos queridos tesalonicenses aprovecharan completamente esta nueva relación que ahora tenían con Dios, y lo vieran a Él como su Padre para todas sus necesidades en el camino de la fe (Juan 16:2323And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. (John 16:23)). Comunión con Dios el Padre es el terreno fértil sobre el cual las almas crecen en gracia.
Si va a haber un crecimiento espiritual, es también esencial que el Señorío de Cristo sea reconocido en la vida del creyente. Tener a Jesús como nuestro Salvador y tenerlo como nuestro Señor no son lo mismo. El primero es creer en Él y en lo que logró en la cruz para borrar nuestros pecados. Por ello, hemos sido salvados de la penalidad de nuestros pecados y fuimos hechos aptos para el cielo. El segundo tiene que ver con reconocer Su autoridad en nuestras vidas de una forma práctica. La lógica implicada en el Señorío de Cristo es que, ya que Él pagó un gran precio para redimirnos, nosotros en realidad ya no somos nuestros propios dueños (1 Corintios 6:19-2019What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19‑20)). Ahora le pertenecemos a Él, y nuestras vidas deben ser usadas para Su propósito. Siendo nuestro Señor, Él tiene el derecho de dirigir nuestras vidas en todo. El Señorío está estrechamente relacionado con el discipulado. Es una entrega que el creyente hace por su propia voluntad —y debería estar contento de hacerlo.
Muchos conocen a Jesús como su Salvador, pero relativamente pocos le tienen como su Señor. Podemos decir que Él es nuestro Señor —y ciertamente lo es por título y por derecho— pero nuestras vidas harán evidente si Él es nuestro Señor en forma práctica. Él dijo, “¿por qué me llamáis, Señor, Señor, y no hacéis lo que digo?” (Lucas 6:4646And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)). En el cristianismo normal, tal entrega de nuestras vidas a Su Señorío debería ocurrir en el momento en que somos salvos. Las Escrituras presentan la salvación y el Señorío como aspectos que deberían ir juntos cuando le recibimos en fe (Hechos 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31); Romanos 10:99That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)). Este fue el caso de Saulo de Tarso —el modelo de la conversión (Hechos 9:66And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:6); 1 Timoteo 1:1616Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:16)).
Este aspecto acerca del Señorío es importante porque si un creyente se aferra a dirigir su propia vida después de ser salvo —por ejemplo, ir a donde quiera ir, y hacer lo que quiera hacer— será un impedimento a su crecimiento y progreso en las cosas de Dios. Por lo cual, es significativo que Pablo enfatice el Señorío de Cristo en esta epístola. Usa el título “Señor” unas 25 veces en la primera epístola y otras 22 en la segunda epístola. De hecho, el título completo de “el Señor Jesucristo” es usado con más frecuencia en las epístolas a los tesalonicenses que en cualquier otro libro del Nuevo Testamento. Esto nos enseña que el obrero cristiano debería enfatizar este tema en su labor con nuevos convertidos, ya que es esencial para la vida cristiana.
Versículo 2.— Habiendo saludado a los tesalonicenses, Pablo les dice que él y sus colaboradores daban “gracias” a Dios continuamente por los santos de Tesalónica, y hacían memoria de ellos en sus “oraciones”.
Los “signos vitales”
Versículos 3-10.— El capítulo 1 está lleno de reconocimiento hacia los creyentes de Tesalónica. Todos los cristianos necesitan ánimo, y en especial los nuevos convertidos. El que tiene el don de pastor, o cualquier persona que tenga el cuidado de nuevos conversos en su corazón, debe tener esto en mente, y debe dar palabras de aliento y elogio cuando es debido. Pablo, entonces, empezó elogiando a estos nuevos conversos por lo que él vio en ellos que eran signos evidentes de una verdadera conversión. Pablo enumera aquellas cosas que le daban plena confianza de que ellos eran verdaderamente salvos.
La realidad de la conversión es lo primero en lo que se debe asegurar alguien que trabaja con nuevos conversos. La gran pregunta que debe ser respondida al principio del trabajo con un nuevo creyente es, “¿esta persona es verdaderamente salva?, ¿realmente ya ‘pasó de muerte á vida’?” (Juan 5:2424Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)). Esto es muy importante porque una de las más exitosas “estratagemas” de Satanás (Efesios 6:11,11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) traducción W. Kelly) es introducir falsos creyentes (aquellos que solo profesan tener fe en Cristo, pero no tienen una veracidad interior) entre aquellos que son verdaderos creyentes, con intenciones de impedir y corromper la obra de Dios.
Al parecer, cada vez que hay una nueva obra de Dios, la táctica de Satanás es sembrar “cizaña entre el trigo” (Mateo 13:2525But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. (Matthew 13:25)). Este, con seguridad, era el caso en la obra de los apóstoles en el libro de Hechos. Satanás buscó interferir en la obra de muchas maneras usando a simples profesantes. Como ejemplo tenemos a “Simón” (Hechos 8:1313Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. (Acts 8:13)), a “una muchacha que tenía espíritu pitónico” (Hechos 16:16-1816And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:16‑18)), y los “siete hijos de un tal Sceva” (Hechos 19:13-1713Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:13‑17)), los cuales buscaron unirse a la obra de algún modo. Por tanto, podemos estar seguros de que donde hay una obra de Dios, el enemigo no estará lejos. Obviamente, si un obrero cristiano discierne que está tratando con un grupo mezclado de personas creyentes e incrédulas, necesitará insistir en las verdades del evangelio y la necesidad de una fe personal en Cristo para salvación.
Así como hay “signos vitales” que indican si una persona está viva físicamente —frecuencia cardíaca, presión arterial, etc.— también hay “signos vitales” que demuestran si una persona está viva espiritualmente. En este primer capítulo, Pablo habla de varios de estos signos que vio en los tesalonicenses, los cuales indicaban que había una obra real de Dios en sus almas. Era algo por lo que él daba gracias a Dios (versículo 2). Al hacerlo, el Espíritu de Dios nos da un esquema de las cosas que debemos buscar en las almas, las cuales indican que han sido verdaderamente salvas.
1) Fe en el Señor Jesús
Versículo 3.— Pablo comienza mencionando tres virtudes cristianas que él vio en los tesalonicenses. Estas son: fe, esperanza y amor. Estas cosas, en mayor o menor medida, están activas en la vida de todo creyente, y dan evidencia del hecho de que la persona es verdaderamente salva. Estas tres virtudes son nombradas juntas por lo menos diez veces en el Nuevo Testamento (1 Corintios 13:1313And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:13); Gálatas 5:5-65For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (Galatians 5:5‑6); Efesios 1:15-18; 4:2-515Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:15‑18)
2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:2‑5); Colosenses 1:4-54Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; (Colossians 1:4‑5); 1 Tesalonicenses 1:3; 5:83Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:8); Hebreos 6:9-129But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9‑12); 1 Pedro 1:3-8,21-223Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:3‑8)
21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:21‑22)). No solo son grandes pruebas de la salvación de una persona, sino también son esenciales para el crecimiento espiritual y vida práctica del cristiano. Son fuentes que dan energía a la vida del nuevo cristiano y hacen que viva por aquello que es invisible y eterno, a lo que su fe se ha aferrado en Cristo. También forman un carácter cristiano sólido que será expresado en las acciones y caminos del creyente.
La primera de estas tres es “la obra de vuestra fe”. Nota: Pablo no habla solamente de la fe en sí, sino de la fe que se evidencia en “obra”. Esta es fe verdadera. Es decir, la fe real producirá evidencia de su existencia en la vida de una persona. Pablo enfatiza esto porque existe la “fe sin obras”, pero ésta, dice Santiago, es “muerta” (Santiago 2:2020But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20)). Pablo no estaba insinuando que la gente puede ganar la salvación por sus obras, sino que la fe en la vida de una persona es verificada por medio de sus obras (Hechos 9:3636Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36); Efesios 2:10,10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) etc.). Estas cosas no se hacen para ser salvos, sino que son el resultado cuando una persona es salva.
2) Amor por el Señor Jesús
Versículo 3b.— La fe se manifiesta a sí misma con las obras que demuestran que una persona tiene fe verdaderamente —sin embargo, el “amor” se expresa a sí mismo en el “trabajo” en sí—. Los cristianos sirven al Señor Jesucristo por causa de amor. Su trabajo para Él es motivado por amor a Él, no por obligación legal. Nuestro amor por el Señor Jesús es producido al entender y meditar en Su amor por nosotros —“nosotros le amamos á Él, porque Él nos amó primero” (1 Juan 4:1919We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19); 2 Corintios 5:1414For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14)). Ya que los tesalonicenses eran conocidos por su “trabajo de amor”, era evidencia clara de que tenían una relación viva y real con el Señor Jesús por fe. Tal amor trabajará incesantemente para agradarle a Él.
3) Esperanza en la venida del Señor Jesús
Versículo 3c.— Los tesalonicenses también eran conocidos por su firme espera en el regreso de Cristo. Esta es la “esperanza” del cristiano. En la Escritura, la palabra “esperanza” no es usada de la misma forma que se usa comúnmente hoy en día. Usamos esa palabra regularmente para referirnos a algo que nos gustaría que aconteciera, pero no tenemos ninguna garantía de que acontezca. En la Biblia, la esperanza es una certeza aplazada; tiene expectativa interconectada con seguridad. Por lo tanto, estamos seguros de que el Señor viene porque la Escritura nos dice que Él vendrá otra vez, y nos tomará para Sí mismo (Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)).
Pablo había instruido a los tesalonicenses en cuanto a la venida del Señor, y habiéndolo creído, ellos aguardaban Su regreso diariamente. Por eso, la inminencia de la venida del Señor estaba muy presente en sus corazones. La prueba de que esto era real en ellos es evidenciada en su “tolerancia [perdurando en la constancia] de la esperanza”. No solo tenían esperanza, sino también “tolerancia” con su esperanza. Esto tiene que ver con perseverar en las pruebas y persecuciones que vienen en el camino de fe, de parte de aquellos que se oponen al cristianismo. Aquellos que no son reales no soportarán las dificultades relacionadas con la vida cristiana y se apartarán. El Señor nos dio un ejemplo: “ ... el que oye la palabra, y luego la recibe con gozo. Mas no tiene raíz en sí, antes es temporal que venida la aflicción ó la persecución por la palabra, luego se ofende” (Mateo 13:20-2120But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. (Matthew 13:20‑21)). Por tanto, la aflicción y adversidad manifiestan cuál es el verdadero estado del alma de una persona. Con el tiempo esto saldrá a luz, ya que es una gran prueba de la realidad.
El hecho de que estos queridos creyentes soportaran las tribulaciones y persecuciones conectadas con su esperanza demostraba que ellos eran reales. No esperaban una mejora en las condiciones políticas del mundo, o en alguna otra cosa entre los hombres del mundo —su esperanza estaba en nuestro “Señor Jesucristo” y en ser llevados fuera de este mundo en Su venida—. Pablo añade, “delante del Dios y Padre nuestro”. Esto indica que él podía ver que el propósito de Dios en salvarlos estaba definitivamente siendo llevado a cabo bajo la cuidadosa mirada de Dios mismo.
Versículo 4.— Habiendo mencionado estos tres primeros signos vitales, Pablo concluye diciendo, “sabiendo, hermanos amados de Dios, vuestra elección”. Todas estas cosas daban a Pablo la absoluta confianza de que ellos eran verdaderamente elegidos de Dios.
Estas virtudes son ilustradas (como tipos) en tres de los fieles seguidores de David:
• “Jonathán” exhibió la “obra de fe” (1 Samuel 13).
• “Ittai” exhibió el “trabajo de amor” (2 Samuel 15:19-2219Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 20Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. 21And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. 22And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him. (2 Samuel 15:19‑22)).
• “Mephi-boseth” exhibió la “tolerancia de la esperanza” (2 Samuel 19:24-3024And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. 25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. 27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 28For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? 29And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. 30And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. (2 Samuel 19:24‑30)).
La iglesia en Éfeso se caracterizaba por tener “obras”, “trabajo” y “paciencia” (Apocalipsis 2:1-71Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1‑7)), pero no hay mención de que tuvieran “fe”, “esperanza” y “amor” que acompañaran tales cosas (Hebreos 6:9-129But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9‑12)). Esto indica que iban en el camino cristiano, haciendo todas las cosas externas que los cristianos deben hacer, pero les faltaba el ímpetu que impulsa tal vida. Cuando este es el caso, no suele pasar mucho tiempo para que la vida cristiana se convierta en un deber, en vez de un privilegio. Cuando así sucede, los principios y prácticas se abandonan, y comienza una declinación. Por lo tanto, es absolutamente necesario mantener encendida nuestra vida interior con el Señor a través de la comunión con Él. Se ha dicho en varias ocasiones que no hay sustituto para la comunión diaria con el Señor —ésta es el “salvavidas” del creyente—. Si algo viene a interrumpir esa comunión (es decir, el pecado), Dios ha dado provisión para que el creyente recupere su comunión a través del juicio propio y la confesión de sus pecados al Padre (1 Corintios 11:3131For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (1 Corinthians 11:31); 1 Juan 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)). Esto es algo que se debe enfatizar a los nuevos convertidos. Sin esa comunión, nuestras vidas cristianas se descarrilarían rápidamente.
4) Obediencia a la Palabra de Dios
Versículos 5-7.— Otro aspecto que Pablo vio en los creyentes tesalonicenses era su obediencia a la Palabra de Dios. Por lo regular, esta es una clara señal que indica si una persona es realmente o no un creyente. La Palabra había sido predicada por Pablo y sus colaboradores con “potencia” del “Espíritu Santo” y “en gran plenitud”, y los tesalonicenses la creyeron y la recibieron. Esto no era un mero conocimiento intelectual de la verdad, sino una experiencia que cambió sus vidas. Ésta alteró el curso de sus vidas. Su obediencia fue evidenciada por el hecho de que se convirtieron en “imitadores” de Pablo y de sus colaboradores —“y del Señor” (versículo 6)—. Puede parecer extraño que Pablo mencionara que se convirtieron en imitadores de él y de sus colaboradores antes de mencionar que eran imitadores del Señor. Normalmente, pensaríamos que es al revés. Pero Pablo simplemente agregó la frase, “y del Señor” para mostrar que la verdadera Fuente a quien imitaron era el Señor mismo. Este cambio en la vida de los tesalonicenses fue tan riguroso que se convirtieron en “ejemplo” de lo que los cristianos deben ser. Los santos en Macedonia y Acaya (norte y sur de Grecia) claramente vieron la evidencia de su conversión (versículo 7).
Como regla general, si una persona profesa haber creído en el Señor Jesucristo como su Salvador, pero no hay un deseo de alterar el curso de su vida para seguir al Señor en obediencia a la Palabra, es claro que la voluntad de esa persona no ha sido quebrantada. Hay una posibilidad real de que esa persona no haya sido verdaderamente salva. Todo obrero cristiano necesita estar consciente de esto y proceder con cuidado cuando trate con alguien que no manifieste este “signo vital” de vida divina. El Señor dijo, “Así que, por sus frutos los conoceréis” (Mateo 7:2020Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:20)).
5) Gozo en el Espíritu Santo
Versículo 6.— La obediencia de los tesalonicenses a la Palabra de Dios se combinaba “con gozo del Espíritu Santo”. Esta es otra señal de su autenticidad, ya que la verdadera felicidad siempre acompaña a la verdadera obediencia (Proverbios 29:1818Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18); Juan 13:1717If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (John 13:17)). Aunque había “mucha tribulación” en la forma de persecución que se llevó a cabo contra ellos por su fe, sufrieron todo eso por Cristo “con gozo”. La persecución era principalmente de parte de los judíos incrédulos de esa región (1 Tesalonicenses 2:14-1514For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: (1 Thessalonians 2:14‑15)). Si una persona está dispuesta a sufrir por sus creencias, es evidente que está convencida de ellas, y que es creyente de verdad.
6) Propagando el evangelio
Versículo 8.— Los tesalonicenses no sólo creían el evangelio, sino que también se convirtieron en mensajeros de él. Pablo dijo, “Porque de vosotros ha sido divulgada la palabra del Señor no sólo en Macedonia y en Acaya, mas aun en todo lugar vuestra fe en Dios se ha extendido”. Estaban tan convencidos de lo que habían creído que querían compartir las buenas nuevas con otros. Dondequiera que fuesen, “divulgaban” el evangelio a otros.
Es interesante notar que no hay mención aquí (ni en ningún otro lugar en el Nuevo Testamento) de que estos nuevos cristianos hayan sido entrenados en algún seminario y hayan sido ordenados antes de que fueran predicadores de “la palabra del Señor”. Tampoco habla la Escritura de personas que prediquen bajo el patrocinio y dirección de un grupo misionero. Aunque estas instituciones que caracterizan el evangelismo actual tengan las mejores intenciones, tienden a atar al siervo de Dios. (Si una persona quiere el apoyo financiero de parte del grupo misionero, debe ir a donde le envían y hacer el trabajo que le dan. Y puede desarrollarse un conflicto cuando el siervo siente que el Señor le dirige por otro lado). La Escritura enseña que todo cristiano es un siervo, y que todo siervo debe mirar al Señor para ser directamente guiado por Él en su obra por el Espíritu Santo, y ninguna persona o institución debe interponerse (Hechos 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4)).
7) Arrepentimiento y separación del mal
Versículo 9.— Habiendo recibido a Cristo y probado lo bueno de su nueva relación con Él, los tesalonicenses pronto se alejaron de la participación en el pecado de la idolatría y del estilo de vida que llevaban antes de su conversión. Pablo dice, “os convertisteis de los ídolos á Dios, para servir al Dios vivo y verdadero. Y esperar á su Hijo de los cielos”. Esto muestra que había un arrepentimiento genuino en ellos, y es otra señal convincente de que su conversión a Dios era real. Esto debe estar presente en toda conversión.
Por el contrario, si una persona profesa tener fe en Cristo, pero no abandona sus pecados y estilo de vida que llevaba antes de convertirse, demuestra que no ha habido un arrepentimiento real en el individuo. Esto puede ser una señal de que la persona no es un verdadero creyente. El arrepentimiento no es salvación, pero no hay salvación sin arrepentimiento. Ambas cosas van juntas, como Pablo indicó a los ancianos de Éfeso —“arrepentimiento para con Dios, y la fe en nuestro Señor Jesucristo” (Hechos 20:2121Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21); Lucas 13:3,53I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)
5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:5)). Las predicaciones modernas promueven la fe en Cristo, pero no suelen enfatizar el arrepentimiento. Esto se debe a que el enfoque de las predicaciones de hoy en día está en conseguir el mayor número posible de profesiones de fe, y el arrepentimiento (que toca la conciencia del hombre e insiste en un cambio en la vida de una persona) no es popular ni deseado entre la mayoría de las personas. Por eso, los predicadores modernos tienden a restarle importancia.
Es de notar que Pablo no indica que él les haya dicho que dejaran sus ídolos; al parecer fue algo que hicieron voluntariamente. Habiendo verdaderamente nacido de nuevo y, por tanto, adquirido vida divina, ellos instintivamente supieron que aquellas cosas eran inconsistentes con la adoración del “Dios vivo y verdadero”. Observemos el orden de esto: se convirtieron de los ídolos a Dios. El gozo que tenían por la salvación de sus almas llenaba tanto sus corazones que opacaba cualquier deseo por un ídolo.
Hoy en día, en estas tierras tan progresivas, la gente aún se inclina y adora a imágenes hechas de madera o de piedra, al igual que lo hacía la gente en los tiempos bíblicos. Sin embargo, la idolatría va más allá —puede ser más sofisticada y refinada—. En principio, idolatría es cualquier cosa que capta el interés de una persona, hasta el punto en el que se convierte en un ardiente devoto de ella y le exige cada vez más atención. Alguien que ha permitido que un ídolo entre en su corazón (Ezequiel 14:33Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? (Ezekiel 14:3)) usualmente será la última persona en darse cuenta, porque uno de los efectos de la idolatría es que el idólatra es cegado (Salmo 115:4-84Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 5They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: 6They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: 7They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. 8They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. (Psalm 115:4‑8)). Para los cristianos, un ídolo es cualquier cosa que se interponga entre nuestro corazón y el Señor, y compita por nuestro afecto. Los cristianos debemos tener cuidado con esto. Por tanto, el apóstol Juan advirtió, “Hijitos, guardaos de los ídolos” (1 Juan 5:2121Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21)).
Versículo 10.— Los tesalonicenses no solo se volvieron a Dios y dejaron los ídolos, sino que también hicieron un esfuerzo especial para “servir al Dios vivo y verdadero”. Se entregaron a propagar el evangelio y ministrar a los santos, etc. —¡aun siendo ellos nuevos cristianos!—. Tenían un nuevo enfoque y una nueva ocupación en sus vidas. También tenían una nueva visión y esperanza —“esperar á Su Hijo de los cielos”—. Pablo les había enseñado que el Señor vendría para llevarlos a casa en el cielo (el Arrebatamiento), y ellos vivían en la inminencia de este hecho. También les enseñó que el Señor es quien “nos libró de la ira que ha de venir”, lo que es la esperanza correcta de la Iglesia. Por tanto, ellos (correctamente) esperaban ser sacados de este mundo en el Arrebatamiento antes de que la ira de Dios cayera sobre el mundo (Romanos 5:99Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9)).
Cada capítulo en esta epístola concluye con una referencia a la venida del Señor.
El Arrebatamiento y la Revelación (Aparición) de Jesucristo
Capítulo 1:10 es la primera mención de la venida del Señor en la epístola. Ninguna otra epístola habla de ello con tanta frecuencia. La Escritura nos indica que hay dos fases distintas de la venida del Señor. Si esto no es comprendido, el creyente estará confundido y tendrá ideas erróneas sobre este tema tan importante. La principal diferencia es:
• La primera fase de Su venida consiste en el Señor llevando a Sus santos al cielo en un estado glorificado. Esto involucrará el levantar de los santos del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento de entre los muertos en un estado glorificado, y la transformación de los santos vivos a un estado glorificado, y entonces llevarlos juntos al cielo (Mateo 25:6,10-136And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. (Matthew 25:6)
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:10‑13); Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3); 1 Corintios 15:23,51-5623But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (1 Corinthians 15:23)
51Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑56); Filipenses 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21); 1 Tesalonicenses 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18); 2 Tesalonicenses 2:1; 3:51Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2 Thessalonians 2:1)
5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:5); Tito 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13); Hebreos 9:28; 10:37; 11:4028So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)
37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (Hebrews 10:37)
40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40); Apocalipsis 1:7; 3:10-11; 22:207Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:10‑11)
20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)). Esta fase ha sido llamada el Arrebatamiento —una palabra tomada del latín, que quiere decir “llevados arriba”.
• La segunda fase consiste en el Señor trayendo con Él del cielo a los santos glorificados, cuando Él aparezca para juzgar al mundo en justicia y establecer Su reino milenario (Mateo 24:27,30,36-41; 25:31; 26:6427For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27)
30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. (Matthew 24:36‑41)
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31)
64Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (Matthew 26:64); 1 Tesalonicenses 3:13; 4:1413To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14); 2 Tesalonicenses 1:7-10; 2:8-97And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:7‑10)
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (2 Thessalonians 2:8‑9); Judas 14-1514And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 14‑15); Apocalipsis 11:15; 14:14-16; 16:15; 19:10-2115And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)
14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14‑16)
15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)
10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:10‑21)). Esta fase es “cuando se manifestará el Señor Jesús” (Mateo 24:3030And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30); Colosenses 3:44When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4); 2 Tesalonicenses 1:7; 2:87And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Thessalonians 1:7)
8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: (2 Thessalonians 2:8); 2 Timoteo 4:1,81I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2 Timothy 4:1)
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8); Tito 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13); 1 Pedro 1:1313Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)) y “cuando Él apareciere” (1 Juan 3:22Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)).
Los santos del Antiguo Testamento sabían de la Revelación —la Aparición— (Isaías 30:27-2827Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire: 28And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. (Isaiah 30:27‑28); Judas 14-1514And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 14‑15); Zacarías 14:55And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:5)), pero no sabían del Arrebatamiento y de la glorificación de los santos, los cuales son revelados solamente en el Nuevo Testamento (1 Corintios 15:51-5651Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑56); Filipenses 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21); 1 Tesalonicenses 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)). Aunque el Señor vendrá del cielo en ambas ocasiones, el Arrebatamiento y la Revelación de Jesucristo ocurrirán en diferentes momentos. Algunas de las diferencias son:
• El Arrebatamiento ocurrirá cuando el Señor venga por Sus santos (Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)); la Aparición de Cristo ocurrirá cuando Él venga con Sus santos, quienes fueron llevados al cielo en el Arrebatamiento (1 Tesalonicenses 3:13; 4:1413To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:14); Judas 1414And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, (Jude 14); Zacarías 14:55And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:5)).
• En el Arrebatamiento, el Señor vendrá secretamente, “en un abrir de ojo” (1 Corintios 15:5252In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52)); en Su Aparición, Él vendrá públicamente, “y todo ojo Le verá” (Apocalipsis 1:77Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)).
• En el Arrebatamiento, Él vendrá a liberar a la Iglesia (1 Tesalonicenses 1:1010And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10)); en Su Aparición, Él vendrá a liberar a Israel (Salmo 6:1-41<<To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.>> O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure. 2Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. 3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? 4Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake. (Psalm 6:1‑4)). La Iglesia será librada de entrar en la Tribulación (Apocalipsis 3:1010Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10)), mientras que los judíos sí pasarán por ella, pero serán liberados al final, cuando el Señor ponga fin a la Tribulación.
• En el Arrebatamiento, Él vendrá en el aire por Su Iglesia porque se trata de Su pueblo celestial (1 Tesalonicenses 4:15-1815For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)); en Su Aparición, Él volverá a la tierra (el Monte de los Olivos) por Israel porque se trata de Su pueblo terrenal (Zacarías 14:4-54And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:4‑5)).
• En el Arrebatamiento, Él llevará a los creyentes fuera de este mundo, dejando a los impíos atrás (Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)); en Su Aparición, los impíos serán llevados fuera del reino de los cielos para ser juzgados, y los creyentes (aquellos que fueron convertidos por el evangelio del reino que será predicado durante la Tribulación) permanecerán para disfrutar bendición en la tierra (Mateo 13:41-43; 25:4141The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:41‑43)
41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41)).
• En el Arrebatamiento, el Señor vendrá como “el Esposo” (Mateo 25:1010And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:10)), pero en la Aparición, Él vendrá como “el Hijo del hombre” (Mateo 24:30,37,39,44,30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)
37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:37)
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:39)
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44) etc.).
• En el Arrebatamiento, Él vendrá sin señales, porque el cristiano camina por fe y no por vista (2 Corintios 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)); en la Aparición, habrá muchas señales de Su venida, porque los judíos buscan señal (Lucas 21:11,25-2711And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11)
25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:25‑27); 1 Corintios 1:2222For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: (1 Corinthians 1:22)).
El Arrebatamiento y la Revelación (Aparición) son vistos por la Teología Reformada como un solo evento, y esta enseñanza ha traído a la profesión cristiana mucha confusión en cuanto a Israel y la Iglesia. No hay manera de que estos dos eventos puedan ocurrir al mismo tiempo ya que la Escritura indica ciertos sucesos que tendrán lugar entre los dos eventos. Por ejemplo, cuando el Señor venga y nos lleve, Él nos llevará a la “casa del Padre” y nos introducirá formalmente en esa escena celestial (Juan 14:2-32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)). Poco después, pasaremos por la evaluación del “tribunal” (2 Corintios 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)). Posteriormente, habrá un tiempo de adoración “alrededor del trono” en el cielo (Apocalipsis 4-5). Luego, habrán “las bodas del Cordero” y “la cena” que le sigue (Apocalipsis 19:6-106And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:6‑10)). Es hasta después de estos eventos que el Señor vendrá del cielo con nosotros en Su Aparición (Apocalipsis 19:11-2111And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:11‑21)). Si mezclas el Arrebatamiento con la Aparición haciéndolos un solo evento, no queda lugar para que suceda todo lo mencionado.
Otro concepto erróneo que los cristianos tienen acerca de la venida del Señor es pensar que Él vendrá como “ladrón de noche” en el Arrebatamiento. Sin embargo, una mirada cuidadosa a las Escrituras nos muestra que cada vez que ese término es usado, es en conexión con la Aparición (Mateo 24:43-4443But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:43‑44); Lucas 12:39-4039And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. (Luke 12:39‑40); 1 Tesalonicenses 5:22For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2); 2 Pedro 3:1010But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:10); Apocalipsis 3:3; 16:153Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (Revelation 3:3)
15Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)). En el Arrebatamiento, el Señor vendrá a llamar a Su Iglesia, que es Su esposa (1 Tesalonicenses 4:15-18,15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18) etc.). En esta ocasión viene como “el Esposo” (Mateo 25:6-106And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:6‑10)) —no como “ladrón”—. ¡El venir como ladrón no es la manera de tomar una esposa! Además, los pasajes que tienen que ver con la venida del Señor como ladrón hablan de Él ejecutando juicio sobre el mundo. Esto prueba que se refiere a la Revelación (Aparición) y no al Arrebatamiento, porque no hay juicio sobre el mundo en el Arrebatamiento; es un silencioso arrebatamiento de los creyentes para sacarlos del mundo.
Por ejemplo, Mateo 24:43-4443But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:43‑44) relaciona la venida del Señor como ladrón con Su venida como “el Hijo del hombre” —la cual es la manera en la que Él es presentado en la Escritura cuando actúa en juicio (Daniel 7:1313I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. (Daniel 7:13); Juan 5:2727And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:27); Apocalipsis 1:13-1613And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. (Revelation 1:13‑16))—. Él nunca es mencionado como el Hijo del Hombre en relación con la Iglesia. Ese título ni siquiera es usado en las epístolas que instruyen y van dirigidas a la Iglesia. (Hebreos 2:66But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Hebrews 2:6) es una referencia del Antiguo Testamento). 1 Tesalonicenses 5:22For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) dice que “el día del Señor vendrá así como ladrón de noche” con “destrucción repentina” sobre el mundo de los incrédulos. 2 Pedro 3:7-107But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. (2 Peter 3:7‑10) relaciona Su venida como ladrón con “el día del juicio”. Apocalipsis 16:15-1615Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 16And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. (Revelation 16:15‑16) nos dice que cuando el Señor venga como ladrón, será para juzgar a los ejércitos que se reunirán en el “Armagedón”. Además, ¡la parábola en Lucas 12:36-3936And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. 37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. (Luke 12:36‑39) indica que la venida del Señor como Ladrón es después de que suceda “la boda”! No puede referirse al Arrebatamiento, porque de ser así, ¡la Iglesia se hubiera perdido su propia boda!