1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,… The apostle is now led to illustrate the hope of salvation. I. ITS SOURCE. "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation." 1. The calling is according to the purpose. "Whom he predestinates, them he also calls." The security of the believer depends, not upon himself, but upon God's unchangeable and loving purpose. 2. The purpose is not to wrath, but to salvation. Though believers were once '"children of wrath," they are now reconciled to God, and saved from wrath to come. 3. God's purpose of mercy toward us does not free us from the necessity of being watchful concerning the means of salvation. II. THE CHANNEL OF SALVATION. "By our Lord Jesus Christ." 1. The covenant was "ordained in the hand of a mediator. (Galatians 3:19.) 2. His death, not his doctrine or example merely, was necessary to our salvation. Who died for us." 3. His death was substitutionary. It was "for us." III. THE END OF THIS SALVATION. "Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live with him together." This was "the joy set before him" for which "he endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2) that we might live to him in order to our living with him. 1. It is life with Christ. Not merely life in him, but life with him in glory. "I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better" (Philippians 1:23). It is the greatest joy and glory of heaven (Romans 14:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 5:9). 2. It is life with all believers. They are to live with him, unsevered from one another; for whether they "are alive and remain," or whether they are of those who "have fallen asleep," they will be together, in Christ's society. Thus the great salvation is the "common salvation." IV. THE CONSOLATORY ASPECT OF THESE TRUTHS. "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. These truths afforded a grand basis for mutual comfort and edification. The Thessalonians ought, therefore, to dismiss their despondency and alarm, and encourage each other with the blessed hopes of the gospel. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,WEB: For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, |
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