“But we are bound to give thanks always 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)
The work of salvation begins in the eternal choice of God, is carried out in time by the sanctification of the Spirit, and is received through belief in the truth of Christ… all cause for rejoicing and gratitude. And so it is in our text—Paul is thankful that the lives and testimonies of the Thessalonian believers evidenced that they were beloved of the Lord and chosen to salvation by the work of the Spirit and their belief in the truth of the gospel.
Many long to know whether God loves them, but then they look for affirmation of God’s love in the wrong places… their circumstances, their feelings, and even their own opinions of themselves. But Scripture teaches that when God calls a man by His Spirit, turns him from sin, gives him faith in Christ, and produces love for God and holiness of life, then that man has evidence that he is chosen to salvation.
Before conversion, even the elect are in rebellion against God. They walk according to this world and are by nature children of wrath. Yet God’s love toward His own is working even then, though unseen, such that in time God draws that soul to Himself. “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). The drawing of the soul to God is the first clear evidence of God’s electing love.
This is why no man has reason to think that God loves him with a saving love if he does not love God in return. Those who are chosen are called, and those who are called are sanctified, and those who are sanctified believe the truth and thereby love God. Where there is no love for God, no desire for holiness, and no belief of the truth, there is no evidence of election.
The doctrine of election is not meant to discourage believers, but to humble them and cause them to give thanks. For election teaches that salvation is by grace alone, not by works, not by merit, and not by human effort. God loved His people before they had done any good or evil, and He chose them in Christ that they should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
To the natural man, this seems harsh or unfair. But to the believer who knows what it is to be saved by grace, it is a doctrine full of comfort and thanksgiving. For it teaches that salvation is certain, as it rests on God’s eternal purpose and not on man’s changing will.[1]
Contemplations:
- Evidence of Your Love in My Life. Lord, let me see the work of Your Spirit in me, turning me from sin, drawing me to Christ, and giving me love for You and for Your truth that I not rest in empty hopes but in the real work of Your grace.
- Draw Me Closer to You. Father, if You have loved me with an everlasting love, then draw me more and more to Yourself. Increase my faith, my holiness, and my love for You. Let the work of sanctification be clearly evident in my life.
- Humble Me Under Your Sovereign Grace. Lord, if I am saved, it is because You chose me, not because I chose You. This humbles me, moves me to gratitude, and keeps me trusting in Your grace alone.
- Cause Others to Know Your Love. Father, I pray for others who do not yet know Your love. Draw them to Christ, sanctify them by Your Spirit, and cause them to believe the truth. Let them know what it is to be saved by grace.
Prayer (Supplication)
Gracious Father, make Your love known to me through the work of Your Spirit in my life. Your Word teaches that You have chosen Your people to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, and I ask that this work be clear and evident in me.
Lord, sanctify me by Your Spirit. Turn me more and more from sin. Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, and make me holy in my thoughts, my desires, and my actions. Let me not live as I once lived, but as one who has been called and set apart for You.
I ask that You strengthen my faith in the truth. Help me believe Your Word firmly, to trust in Christ fully, and to rest in Your promises. When doubts arise, strengthen my faith. When I am weak, uphold me. When I am tempted, preserve me.
Lord, increase my love for You. If You have loved me with an everlasting love, then let me love You in return. Let me love Your Word, Your people, Your worship, and Your ways.
I also pray for others who do not yet know Your love. Draw them to Christ. Open their eyes to see the truth. Sanctify them by Your Spirit and cause them to believe the truth, that they also may be saved.
Lord, make the doctrine of Your grace sweet to my soul. Let it humble me, comfort me, and cause me to give thanks and live for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References 2 Thess. 2:13:
1 Peter 1:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; Jeremiah 31:3
[1] Samuel Willard, Love’s Pedigree, 1639-1800; No. 961 (Boston, in N.E.: B. Green, and J. Allen. Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his shop under the west end of the town house, 1700), 26–28.
