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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Election, salvation, and the faith that transcends circumsatances.


1 Thess. 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
 
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

The opening words of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians gives us a clear picture of true salvation, that which comes to us by God's power, through His word and Spirit, and is according to His election by grace. In Thessalonica, this faith came with affliction, caused them to turn from idols to God and made them eager to see Jesus Christ, their deliverer from God's coming wrath.

Consider this in contrast to the false teachings which seek to win converts to a non-biblical "Christianity",  which emphasizes the pursuit of worldly success, comfort and health, "idols" and uses Jesus as a Jennie to help achieve these worldly goals.

True conversion is by God's electing grace through the power of His word and Holy Spirit, and results in us treasuring Him and eternal life in His presence, over anything this world offers.

False conversion is really just idolatry under the name "Christianity", it has nothing to do with Jesus and it is unable to save.

Now may the Lord grant me the daily grace to treasure Him above the things of this earth, as those faithful believers in Thessalonica did!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

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