What Is the Day of the Lord? Do We Know When It’ll Be?
Bible Study Guide
(Verses 1-3) Paul opens the final chapter of his first letter to the Thessalonians with a warning—and a revelation—about a very specific time in human history: “the day of the Lord.”
This phrase appears repeatedly throughout the Old Testament. It’s often connected with similar expressions such as “that day” and “in those days.” Each points to a climactic moment in redemptive history—the end of days as we know them. This will be when Christ returns and fulfills all prophecy concerning His kingdom.
What Does This Mean?
- A familiar phrase with prophetic weight: “The day of the Lord” is not a single verse or moment. It’s a recurring theme woven throughout Scripture. It points to a time or times when God actively intervenes in the course of history to alter events according to His desire and will.
- Two main views:
- Some scholars believe it refers to a single, specific day that will unfold in the last days.
- Others see it as a broader time period when God will act directly and decisively in human history.
- A time of divine intervention: During this period, God will bring judgment upon sin and upon all who have rejected Christ.
- Key events included:
- The return of Christ in power and glory.
- The judgment of all nations for their treatment of Israel—God’s inheritance.
- The Millennial Reign of Christ from Jerusalem, lasting one thousand years.
Though interpretations may differ on the details, both positions agree on one central truth:
“The day of the Lord” points to the ultimate day (days) that marks the end of this present age and the beginning of God’s direct rule over the earth.
This momentous period begins with the seven-year Tribulation revealed to Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 12:1–3) and described by Jesus Himself in His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1–31).
Joel also speaks the words of God in the following passage about “the day of the Lord.”
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” (Joel 2:28-32)
When Will the Day of the Lord Arrive?
Paul clearly mentions “the day of the Lord” will come like “a thief in the night.” Let’s look at this phrase more closely so we too will know very well what it means. God’s word perfectly speaks of the meaning of this phrase throughout the Bible. Let’s take a look at a few.
- It means that the wrath that is to come in the last days will come upon mankind suddenly without their expecting it to come.
- They will be oblivious to all the signs, as we see them growing in frequency today. They will miss and ignore the signs being given to us almost on a daily basis.
- When it arrives it’ll come upon them like a flood.
In fact, Jesus begins by making it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)
Then Jesus describes how the unsuspecting believers will be going about their daily lives. Just as the signs are revealing themselves before their eyes, but they will not take notice.
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:37-39)
Jesus continues His Olivet Discourse with the beautiful teaching of the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” (Matthew 25:1-13). He points to five wise virgins. They know the signs of the coming events and watch, wait and are prepared for it to arrive. He compares them to the five unwise virgins. They dismiss the signs and continue in their own selfish pursuits until the time arrives and it’s too late.
A perfect lesson for all of us as we journey through the current time of the signs. We were not meant to worry, but to wait.
The Meaning Behind the Labor Pains
In verse 3, Paul describes the end of the age and the coming of God’s judgment on the world in the day of the Lord using the analogy of labor pains.
To understand this clearly, we have to go back to the origin of “labor pains.” To do this, let’s go all the way back to Genesis 3:16.
“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children.” (Genesis 3:16)
We see in this Bible verse the pain that came to be associated with child bearing was a result of a curse due to original sin. It’s original sin that resulted from a direct disobedience to God. The consequences of this sin became a curse upon women that she might bear children painfully. This was one of many curses put upon creation because of original sin.
On the Tuesday of the week that Christ would be crucified, He sat with His disciples and many others that came to hear Him speak on the Mt. Of Olives and delivered His Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25).
He began to describe what events would occur during the time leading up to the wrath of God (Tribulation Period), His return and the end of the age as we know it today. Christ explained that there will be great deception, wars and rumors of wars. Nation would rise against nation. Their would be great earthquakes, pestilence and famine across the land. He went on to say mankind would see fearful events and great signs from heaven. All of these things will be the beginning of labor pains (birth pains).
How do these Events Relate to Labor Pains?
When a woman first experiences labor pains, this signals the beginning of the birthing process that will soon take place. Once this occurs, birth is near and there’s no turning back. In fact, typically when labor pains begin, they gradually increase in strength and frequency.
This is what Christ taught His disciples and what Paul was attempting to teach the Thessalonians in his letter. Once the world begins to see these things occur, the beginning of the end is near for the coming wrath (Tribulation Period) and Christ’s return.
Just like labor pains, the end of the age events that Christ spoke of on the Mt. of Olives will increase in frequency and intensity.
In light of much of prophecy about the day of the Lord which has been perfectly fulfilled about Israel and its people, the global events we see today are exactly what Christ spoke of as He stood teaching on the Mt. Of Olives.
As governments and leaders from across the globe are perplexed by the signs and wonders that are coming from the heavens, we must be watchful of all things occurring around us. The birth pains have begun as perfectly prophesied. Along with that, all other prophecy is wonderfully coming to fulfillment before our very eyes.
Because of all this, the believers of today are seeing more prophetic words of God come to fruition than any other generation in of our time. The day of the Lord is truly at hand.
Believe in God and not in the words of men!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing to us the truth of Your Word and the promise of Christ’s return. Help us to live each day with sober hearts and awakened minds, ready for that glorious moment when You intervene in this world once more. May we not be caught unaware or distracted by the things of this life, but instead walk in faith, holiness, and anticipation of Your coming Kingdom.
Teach us to shine Your light in the darkness, to share the hope we have in Jesus, and to stand firm in the truth as the day approaches.
We look forward to the return of Your Son—our Savior, our King.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
<< 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “Who Will Be Raptured and How?” | “What Must We Do Before the Day of the Lord?” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11 >>