2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord… Religion has two factors, the Divine and the human. All the doctrines whose object and result are the salvation of lost souls, have an inseparable connection. They necessitate and include each other. In the text, sanctification of the Spirit is conjoined with belief of the truth. I. ELECTION IS PRESUPPOSED. 1. Its author is God. 2. It is from the beginning. 3. It is personal. 4. It is comforting. Those that are chosen are beloved of the Lord. II. ITS DESIGN. 1. To produce holiness of thought, word and deed. 2. To secure salvation. Holiness is salvation. 3. To obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. III. ITS AGENCY. 1. It proceeds from the love and grace of God. 2. It is rendered possible by the death of Christ. 3. It is carried into effect through the agency and influence of the Holy Spirit. IV. ITS INSTRUMENT. This is the truth. 1. Men are called by the truth. 2. Men are sanctified through the truth (John 17:17). V. ITS EVIDENCE. 1. Illumination by the Spirit in order to understand things that are spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:14). 2. Sanctification of the Spirit. 3. Belief of the truth. Apart from these, no person has, or can have, any proof that he is chosen of God to eternal life. VI. CONCLUSION. 1. Men are lost because they have pleasure in unrighteousness, and believe not the truth. 2. No sanctification takes place in any soul apart from the belief of the truth. 3. The end of faith is the salvation of the soul. 4. Sanctification and faith have their roots in election. 5. Does any one seek for evidence of his election, let him believe the gospel and live a holy life. (L. O. Thompson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But we are bound to give thanks alway 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: |
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