God chose you as the first fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13
The Thessalonians were shaken and frightened. They were experiencing persecution and thought God’s final judgment was upon them. Paul lays out some of the events that must transpire before that happens. He is clear about those who will perish at Christ’s second coming. They will have refused to believe the truth of God, only to be deceived by Satan and be condemned (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
In contrast, those who are redeemed love and obey the truth and are saved and follow Christ. Chosen before the foundation of the world (the mystery), by His mercy and grace God has a fixed purpose for the believer, as well as unimaginable privileges (Ephesians 1:3-6). Theologian Warren Wiersbe says, “the ‘sanctification by the Spirit’ (v. 13) sets believers apart from sin to righteousness.” They will not be sinless, but they will grow in Christlikeness. The gift of faith comes from the Spirit’s conviction of the heart to the truth of the Gospel, and a person’s confession in Christ as Savior… a joining of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.
Wiersbe also wrote: “We must admit that there are mysteries to our salvation; but we can rejoice that there are certainties on which we can rest. We must not use the doctrine of election to divide the church or disturb the weak, but to glorify the Lord.”
The believer is commissioned by Christ to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Study His Word so you can share the truth and do the work of God as you walk with Him. Pray that this nation’s governing officials would do the same.
Today’s Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
3 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: John 17:6-8, 17-21
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
