"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

Paul’s description of the work of salvation in verse 13 involves some human pedaling. God’s choice is not arbitrary, but is intrinsically connected with his love for them.

Paul does not speculate on why they were chosen as opposed to others: rather, he gives thanks that they are loved and chosen to be saved. Can we follow his example? There is no more tangible display of God’s love for us than Christ hanging on the cross. We are not party to the mysteries of God’s working, but we can respond in belief and thanksgiving.

There is another aspect to salvation. The Thessalonians were saved not only through their belief, but through ‘the sanctifying work of the Spirit’—in other words, by the Holy Spirit working in them to make them holy. This implies that Paul views salvation not as a one-off event, but as a continuing process. Again, this is a process which requires our pedaling—Paul urges the Thessalonians to ‘stand firm’ and ‘hold fast’ to his teaching (v. 15)—but is empowered by God, who strengthens us ‘in every good deed and word’ (v. 17).

CLOSING PRAYER

I rejoice in your faithfulness, Father, as I look to you for help in spreading the message of Jesus. Protect me from those things that would keep me from sharing the gospel in word and deed.

(Edited from Encounter with God)