“And 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)
Jesus Christ is our Deliverer, the promised Messiah who willingly left heaven’s glory that He might rescue us from the most dreadful and certain threat imaginable: the wrath of God. And He did deliver us! For this divine wrath, so justly deserved, has been completely satisfied for those who are in Christ, who have fled to Him in faith and now stand in His righteousness.
From the beginning, God made it clear that rebellion must be judged. As it did in the days of Noah when He destroyed the earth with a flood and spared only those hidden in the ark, so it will be in the final judgment, God’s wrath will fall again. The earth will tremble, the heavens will shake, and all who are not found in Christ will perish under His just fury (Isaiah 24:1–6). “Sin must be punished; for His detestation of sin must be manifested.”[1]
Yet in that same flood account, we see grace. “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). Why? Because “Noah walked with God” (v. 9). His faith led him into the safety of the ark, a shadow and type of Christ. In like manner, we are spared because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. He is our Ark… our safe place… our Deliverer.
John 3:36 speaks with stunning clarity: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” There are only two states in which man may be found: delivered by Christ or condemned without Him. There is no middle ground, no neutral status. And for those who believe, the deliverance is total, eternal, and irrevocable.
This deliverance is the beginning of new life, filled with blessings and secured by Christ. We are freed from the bondage of sin and Satan (Gal. 3:13–14), reconciled to a holy God (Rom. 5:10), fully pardoned and justified by grace (Rom. 3:24–25), adopted into God’s family (Rom. 8:15–17), and given bold access to the throne of grace (Eph. 2:18). These are not future blessings; they are present realities for all who are in Christ Jesus.
The believer now walks in communion with the Triune God, comforted by the Spirit, granted all that is needful for life and godliness, and assured that every affliction will work together for good. And at the end of this earthly journey, we will enjoy eternal happiness in the presence of Christ (1 Peter 1:3–4). This is the full scope of deliverance. This is our inheritance in Jesus. He has delivered us from wrath into glory, from judgment into joy, and from sin into sonship.
Christ, our Deliverer, is worthy of every song we sing, every breath we breathe, and every act of worship we can offer. His salvation is perfect, His love unmeasured, and His work finished. Let our souls magnify the Lord, and let our spirits rejoice in God our Savior.
Contemplation:
- Delivered from Wrath. I was once under the wrath of God—condemned, guilty, and lost. But Jesus delivered me. He suffered the full extent of God’s wrath in my place. Lord, I adore You for taking what I deserved and giving me what I never could earn. Because of You, I no longer fear judgment. I look forward to the day when I will see You face to face, not as Judge, but as Redeemer and Friend.
- Blessings Beyond Measure. The benefits You’ve given me in Christ are more than I can grasp—freedom from sin, reconciliation with You, adoption into Your family, communion with the Spirit, and an eternal inheritance. I adore You for being so gracious and so merciful. I bless Your name for every good and perfect gift that flows from Your hand.
- Victory in Christ Alone. The power of Satan, sin, and death are all defeated through Christ’s cross and resurrection. I was once a slave, but now I am free. I was once afraid, but now I have peace. Jesus, You are my Deliverer, my Savior, and my King. I adore You for Your victory which, by faith, is my victory too.
- A Life of Praise. Lord, how could I live unchanged by such deliverance? You rescued me from destruction and crowned me with lovingkindness. Help me therefore walk in holiness. Help me turn from all that dishonors You and fix my heart on the blessed hope that is mine in Christ Jesus.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord my God, I lift my voice in awe and worship before You. You are my Deliverer, my Redeemer, my Rock. When I was under Your just wrath, deserving of condemnation, You sent Your Son to bear it in my place. Jesus, You came to this earth, lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose triumphantly, so that I might live. What love! What salvation!
You not only rescued me from eternal judgment—you brought me into the light of Your countenance. You have given me life, peace, and hope. You freed me from bondage, justified me by grace, and called me Your child. I adore You for Your unspeakable grace.
Christ Jesus, You are the Ark into which I have fled. The storm of God’s wrath was coming, and I had no shelter—but You opened the door and drew me in. You took my sin. You bore the curse of sin in my place. I will therefore sing of Your name forever. You are the Lamb who was slain and the King who reigns. You are worthy of all my adoration.
Holy Spirit, You applied this redemption to my soul. You opened my eyes, stirred my heart, and sealed me for the day of redemption. You comfort me, guide me, and abide with me. I adore You for making known to me the love of Christ and the mercy of the Father.
Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—my heart exalts You. You are my deliverance and my song. I praise You not only for what You have done but for who You are. Just, yet merciful. Holy, yet near. Wrathful against sin, yet rich in grace toward sinners. You are my Deliverer. And I adore You.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for 1 Thessalonians 1:10:
1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:9; Acts 2:24; Rom. 5:9; Matt. 3:7; Job 19:25.
[1] Stephen Charnock, The Complete Works of Stephen Charnock, vol. 2 (Edinburgh; London; Dublin: James Nichol; James Nisbet and Co.; W. Robertson; G. Herbert, 1864–1866), 251.
