Verse of the Day 3/4

Verse of the Day 3/4

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

English Standard Version

Stand Firm

13 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. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In today's verses the Apostle Paul succintly explains what constitutes "true salvation".  But before going into that notice that he mentions that we should always be giving thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  They should be on our minds and we should pray for them and remind them of who they are an what they have in Christ.

Now, back to his thoughts on salvation.  In a couple of verses here he describes what he does in Ephesians 2:1-10.  First, God chose us, He called us out; secondly we are justified through Him - forgiving us and causing us to be born again.  Many people stop there, but there is more.  We are sanctified, it is a process where God forgives sinners and gradually, through the Spirit, makes them more like Jesus while we're here on earth to do "good things" (Eph. 2:10), then comes glorification, when we see Him face to face and made totally like Him in heaven.

We should be reminded and remain mindful of these things as we "walk" through this life.  It is by grace that we are saved, through faith, it is the gift of God not of works, whereby we must be saved.  Take some time to think of some of your brothers and sisters in Christ, pray for them, thank God for them, perhaps send a note to them and rejoice in the fact that God has chosen us.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

English Standard Version

Stand Firm

13 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. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.