Chosen — the Evidence
Nesting with Jesus study in 1 Thessalonians 1 and 2
Paul, under the inspiration and influence of the Holy Spirit, assured the disciples at Thessalonica that he KNEW and could SEE that God had chosen them (1:4-10) because of three distinct dynamics that he reveals in chapter one and two:
His words... not mine:
"For this cause also WE THANK GOD without ceasing, BECAUSE, when you received the word of God, which you heard of us, YOU RECEIVED IT not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe" (1 Thes. 2:13)
Paul is saying, this a God thing... what is impossible with man, is possible with God.
Validation of Election by God
1. How the Word of God was Revealed
(How was God's message revealed to them? The message and the messengers were anointed by God to make His good news of their salvation, in Christ, both clear and bright.
Validation of Election by God #2
2. How the Word of God was Received
(They embraced the Word of God, as it is in truth, a word from God and not the words of men.
Validation of Election by God #3
3. How the Word of God was Redeeming
(The Word, of grace and truth, took root and took over! They turned from serving themselves and the useless things of this world to serve the living and true God.
Paul knew what true salvation looked like, and he affirmed, to these disciples of Jesus, that they had it.
How about you?
Eternity is to long to be wrong... I wouldn't settle on anything less than Jesus and His redeeming grace for my answer, because God's not going to accept anything else. Glory!!!
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