But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: — 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Paul now shifts from the doomed condition of unbelievers to the hope of believers.
These Christians were beloved of the Lord. God had chosen salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief of the truth. The Spirit of God works in hearts, convicts of sin, and draws people to Christ through the Gospel.
Notice the emphasis again on belief in truth. These believers responded to the Gospel and received it as the Word of God.
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the means must not be separated. Faith and holiness must be joined together as well as holiness and happiness. The
outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward working of the Spirit. The belief of the truth brings the sinner to rely on Christ, and so to love and obey him; it is sealed by the Holy Spirit upon his heart. We have no certain proof of any thing having been delivered by the apostles, more than what we find contained in the Holy Scriptures. Let us then stand fast in the doctrines taught by the apostles, and reject all additions, and vain traditions.
Paul now shifts from the doomed condition of unbelievers to the hope of believers.
These Christians were beloved of the Lord. God had chosen salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief of the truth. The Spirit of God works in hearts, convicts of sin, and draws people to Christ through the Gospel.
Notice the emphasis again on belief in truth. These believers responded to the Gospel and received it as the Word of God.
When we hear of the apostacy of many, it is a great comfort and joy, that there is a remnant according to the election of grace, which does and shall persevere; especially we should rejoice, if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The preservation of the saints, is because God loved them with an everlasting love, from the beginning of the world. The end and the means must not be separated. Faith and holiness must be joined together as well as holiness and happiness. The
outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward working of the Spirit. The belief of the truth brings the sinner to rely on Christ, and so to love and obey him; it is sealed by the Holy Spirit upon his heart. We have no certain proof of any thing having been delivered by the apostles, more than what we find contained in the Holy Scriptures. Let us then stand fast in the doctrines taught by the apostles, and reject all additions, and vain traditions.