Why Is This Page Called “AsAThief.com”?

The phrase “as a thief” is a profound and recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the return of Jesus Christ. Many people interpret this phrase to mean that His coming will be entirely unexpected, shrouded in mystery, and unknowable. However, a closer examination of the Scriptures reveals a deeper truth: for those who are watching and prepared, He will not come as a thief. This distinction is central to the purpose and message of this website.

The Biblical Context of “As a Thief”

The imagery of a thief is used several times in the Bible to describe the sudden and unexpected nature of certain events. For example:

• Matthew 24:43-44: “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”
• Revelation 3:3: “Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”

The Main Purpose of a Thief

A thief’s main purpose is to take something that does not belong to him. The warning “as a thief” is a call to belong to Christ so that you are not taken. A thief cannot take what already belongs to him. Similarly, if you belong to Christ, you are secure and cannot be “taken” by the thief. This is echoed in Matthew 13:30, which states: “First gather the tares, bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.” The tares, which do not belong to Him, are taken first, while the wheat is safely gathered into His barn.

In Hebrews 12:27-28, we are reminded of those who remain: “Now this, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” This passage underscores that those who belong to Him will not be shaken but will remain as part of His unshakable kingdom.

The Key Difference: Darkness vs. Light

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus’ coming will be like a thief to those who are unprepared, who are in darkness, and who are not watching. But to those who are awake, alert, and walking in the light, His coming will not be a surprise. As Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:4, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.”

This distinction is crucial:

• For those in darkness: His coming will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief breaking in during the night.
• For those in light: His coming will be anticipated, as they are spiritually prepared and watching.

The Opposite of Revelation 3:3

Revelation 3:3 warns that if we do not watch, we will not know the hour of His coming. The implication is profound: the opposite is also true. If we are watching, we will know the signs and the season of His return. This understanding aligns with Jesus’ own words in Matthew 24:32-33, where He encourages us to learn from the fig tree—when its branches become tender and leaves sprout, we know summer is near. Similarly, those who are vigilant will recognize the signs of His return.

A Call to Watchfulness

The purpose of “AsAThief.com” is to encourage watchfulness and readiness. Jesus’ admonition to “watch” is not a passive command but an active, continual call to:

• Stay grounded in Scripture.
• Pray for discernment and understanding.
• Observe the world through the lens of biblical prophecy.
• Live in obedience and faithfulness.

Not Being Caught Off Guard

When Jesus’ return is likened to a thief, it is a warning to those who are complacent, distracted, or dismissive of the signs of the times. For the faithful, it is a reassurance that they will not be caught off guard. Jesus’ coming is not meant to be a fearful event but a joyous one for those who are prepared.

As the Bible states in Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” God’s desire is not to catch us unaware but to prepare us through His Word, His Spirit, and the guidance of those He has called to share His message.

Conclusion

The name “AsAThief.com” is a reminder of this biblical truth: Jesus’ return will only be as a thief to those who are not watching. For those who are in the light, His coming will be anticipated, welcomed, and understood. By staying vigilant and spiritually prepared, we ensure that we are not caught in darkness but are ready to meet Him when He comes.

This page exists to emphasize the importance of watchfulness, to illuminate the truth of Scripture, and to encourage believers to live in the light of His soon return. The question is: are you watching?