The biblical “Day of the Lord” refers both to judgment and salvation. Old Testament prophecies promised a day when Israel’s enemies would be conquered and God’s people would be liberated. 

These prophecies apply to “spiritual Israel” (the church) as well as national Israel. The Day of the Lord will ultimately be fulfilled by Jesus Christ when He comes again to earth as the Righteous Judge, conquering all of hell’s forces, and establishing the fullness of His victorious Kingdom. 

Every person will be held accountable for his or her acceptance of, or rejection of Jesus Christ. The question will not be, “Did you try to be a good person,” or “Were you mindful of spiritual things,” or “Were you committed to a religion or denomination?”

The question will be centered on the Person of Jesus Christ. Belief in Jesus includes that He is the Son of God, that He lived a sinless life, that He died for your sins, and that He was raised again, proving that He was who He claimed He was. It is not only a belief THAT He exists, but a belief IN Him as your Savior. 

Many people today live in a false sense of security. They refuse to acknowledge their sin, and even if they do admit it, they often refuse to repent of it. They may see Jesus as a good person, but refuse to bow their lives to Him as Lord and King. 

Paul’s words remind us of the reality of the Day of the Lord, and its accompanying judgment:

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”‭‭
1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Placing your faith in Jesus Christ requires a whole-hearted submission to His Lordship. 

• It begins with acknowledging and confessing your own sinfulness, and then repenting (turning away) from that sin. 
• It means that you cry out for the only Savior who can free you from sin’s curse. 
• It requires submission to the voice of the Holy Spirit to daily fill, lead, and empower you. 
• It requires gritty faith that is evidenced by life-change. 

For those who reject Jesus, the Day of the Lord is a dreadful day. But for those who have cried out in humility and faith to Jesus, the Day of the Lord is a day of ultimate victory, freedom, and triumph.