Basically, there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who will be saved and live with Christ forever, and those who will be condemned. In his second inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul writes that the reason people will be condemned is that they, “…didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2:12)
In contrast to those who will perish are those who will enjoy eternal life. What are the characteristics of the people who will be saved? In chapter 2, verses 13 through 17, Paul writes, “But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.”
One characteristic of those who are saved is that they are “loved by the Lord”. Does this mean that God does not love those are perishing? No, Scripture says, “But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) If Christ died for sinners, then why are only some people saved? The problem is not with God’s love, but our response to it. Scripture says, “…do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4) If we reject God’s love by refusing to repent of our sin, we will eventually experience His wrath.
Those who are saved are not only loved by God, but have been called by Him to be saved from the beginning. Does this mean that God has already selected those who will be saved or lost and that we do not have any choice or responsibility in the matter? No! God has given each one of us the freedom to choose which path we will take. If this is so, then how can anyone be called to be saved from the beginning? Perhaps this is speaking of God’s intention. There was never a time when God did not intend to offer salvation. For example, though Christ lived and was crucified for our sins during the rule of the Roman Empire, there is a place in Scripture which refers to Him as “…the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8 NIV) What this means is that Christ’s death on our behalf was always part of God’s plan, even before the world was created.
It is also possible that the phrase “God chose you from the beginning for salvation” refers to God’s fore-knowledge. Though God does not force our choice, He knew from the start which choice we would make. As Paul writes in another place, “ For whom he foreknew, he also predestined…” (Romans 8:29)
By what means does God save? Paul writes that it is through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Many people have the idea that they can do some special work of merit which will offset their sin, or which will earn salvation. This is not so. There is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness. It is only through the power of God that we can be made pure. He gives His Spirit to the followers of Christ to purify them and enable them to remain pure.
A second element in salvation is believing the truth. This is in direct contrast to those Paul wrote about in verses 10 through 12. There he pointed out that people perish because they do not love or believe the truth. Without both the work of the Spirit and belief in the truth, no one can be saved. This agrees with what Jesus taught. When he was asked about worship He replied, “…the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24)
How does God call someone to salvation? Paul says that the people to whom he is writing were called through his gospel, that is, the Good News. Though Paul calls the gospel his own, it was not something which he made up. In chapter 1, verse 8 he had already made it clear that the gospel is really Christ’s. The gospel was Paul’s only in the sense that he proclaimed it after, first, obeying it himself.
For what purpose does God call? So that we may share in the glory of Christ. There are many who seek worldly glory. There are many who want fame and acclaim and they will do almost anything to get it. But the glory and fame of this world does not last. Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:37) Only those who follow Christ will obtain lasting glory. The Apostle Peter describes it as “…an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4)
By what means can we share in Christ’s glory? Paul writes that we must stand firm. In the Greek language the word Paul uses is a military term which pictures a guard standing at his post. In other words, we should not be easily moved from our faith, whether by circumstances or opposition. We must always be ready to defend our faith in Christ.
A second condition in sharing in Christ’s glory is to “hold the traditions which you were taught by us.” There are many who say that we must change the teachings of Christ and the Apostles to fit our culture and today’s world. But Scripture says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) If we wish to share in His glory, we must remain faithful to what He taught. As Paul writes elsewhere, a person who stands firm in Christ will not allow himself to be “…tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14)
From where do we get the strength to stand firm and keep Christ’s teaching? It is God and Christ who give it to us. They not only give hope, but eternal encouragement. As God says in another place, “…I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)