In Genesis, we read of the obedience of Noah to build an ark when he had never seen rain (Genesis 6:13-22). We are familiar with Abraham’s faith who went to an unknown land when God call him to do so (Genesis 12:1-7). We learn of Joseph’s forgiveness to his brothers who betrayed him, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good” (Genesis 50:20). In Exodus, we read of Moses’ courage to tell Pharaoh, “Let my people go” (Exodus 9:1). In 2 Samuel, the prophet Nathan’s boldness is on display as he speaks to David, “You are the man, O King” (2 Samuel 12:7). But in 2 Thessalonians 2, we are introduced to another kind of believer, a fearful one. The Thessalonians are fearful for four reasons: 1) they are confused about the end times, 2) the false prophets are convincing, 3) the anti-Christ’s deception and 4) the overwhelming influence of an anti-Christ spirit. So, 2 Thessalonians 2 is written to fearful Christians with the main idea being this: though fearful of the end times, you can and will be faithful and fruitful because Jesus is with you. In this passage from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-18, we see three assurances from God. The first is…
Though fearful (of end times), you can be hopeful.
In this passage, Paul gives thanks to God for something unusual, their (the Thessalonians) election (2 Thessalonians 2:13a). So, what is election? Election is the selection of someone for a chosen purpose. In this case, the Thessalonians were saved by God on purpose and for a purpose. So, what was that purpose? The believing Thessalonians were a firstfruit, meaning the first harvest and indicating that additional harvests (more fruit) was forthcoming. And, the best news is that this still applies to us today. For those who have received salvation, we also are a firstfruit. It is important to know that scripture describes salvation as both a past and present act that is initiated by God and believed by us. More specifically, God’s word teaches that we were chosen (elected) before the foundation of the world (the past) by the Father for salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13, Ephesians 1:3-5). 2 Thessalonians 2:13 also states that salvation is from the present and that it takes place because of two activities: 1) the activity of the Holy Spirit that draws a person towards Christ and 2) an individual believing the claims of the gospel. Finally, in verse 14, Paul explains that those who have experienced this work of the Spirit by believing the truth of the gospel are assured the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, we must recognize that the Bible reserves glory for God alone as illustrated by the following verses: the “king of glory” (Psalm 24), the “God of glory” (Psalm 29) and the “Father of glory” (Ephesians 1:17). This is Paul’s way of underscoring that Jesus Christ is God come in flesh. Lastly, we must also recognize what Romans 3:23-24 tells us: 1) that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and 2) that those who trust in this gospel message (salvation) will experience the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Thessalonians feared that they had missed the glory of Jesus. But, because they had placed their faith in Christ as their savior, they had not. The same applies for us today. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as savior (salvation), you can be confident and hopeful that, despite any fears that you have, the eternal home of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (heaven) is yours!
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