Featured 2 Thess. 2:13-14, What does it say? pt2

2 Thessalonians 2 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

Here observe, I. The consolation the Thessalonians might take against the terrors of this apostasy, v. 13, 14. For they were chosen to salvation, and called to the obtaining of glory. Note, When we hear of the apostasy of many, it is matter of great comfort and joy that there is a remnant according to the election of grace which does and shall persevere; and especially we should rejoice if we have reason to hope that we are of that number. The apostle reckoned himself bound in duty to be thankful to God on this account: We are bound to give thanks to God always for you. He had often given thanks on their behalf, and he is still abounding in thanksgiving for them; and there was good reason, because they were beloved by the Lord, as appeared in this matter—their security from apostatizing. This preservation of the saints is owing,

1. To the stability of the election of grace, v. 13. Therefore were they beloved of the Lord, because God had chosen them from the beginning. He had loved them with an everlasting love. Concerning this election of God we may observe, (1.) The eternal date of it—it is from the beginning; not the beginning of the gospel, but the beginning of the world, before the foundation of the world, Eph 1 4. Then, (2.) The end to which they were chosen—salvation, complete and eternal salvation from sin and misery, and the full fruition of all good. (3.) The means in order to obtaining this end—sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. The decree of election therefore connects the end and the means, and these must not be separated. We are not the elected of God because we were holy, but that we might be holy. Being chosen of God, we must not live as we list; but, if we are chosen to salvation as the end, we must be prepared for it by sanctification as the necessary means to obtain that end, which sanctification is by the operation of the Holy Spirit as the author and by faith on our part. There must be the belief of the truth, without which there can be by true sanctification, nor perseverance in grace, nor obtaining of salvation. Faith and holiness must be joined together, as well as holiness and happiness; therefore our Saviour prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail (Luke 22 32), and for his disciples (John 17 17), Sanctify them by thy truth; thy word is truth.

2. To the efficacy of the gospel call, v. 14. As they were chosen to salvation, so they were called thereunto by the gospel. Whom he did predestinate those he also called, Rom 8 30. The outward call of God is by the gospel; and this is rendered effectual by the inward operation of the Spirit. Note, Wherever the gospel comes it calls and invites men to the obtaining of glory; it is a call to honour and happiness, even the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glory he has purchased, and the glory he is possessed of, to be communicated unto those who believe in him and obey his gospel; such shall be with Christ, to behold his glory, and they shall be glorified with Christ and partake of his glory. Hereupon there follows,

II. An exhortation to stedfastness and perseverance: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, v. 15. Observe, He does not say, "You are chosen to salvation, and therefore you may be careless and secure;" but therefore stand fast. God's grace in our election and vocation is so far from superseding our diligent care and endeavour that it should quicken and engage us to the greatest resolution and diligence. So the apostle John having told those to whom he wrote that they had received the anointing which should abide in them, and that they should abide in him (in Christ), subjoins this exhortation, Now abide in him, 1 John 2 27, 28. The Thessalonians are exhorted to stedfastness in their Christian profession, to hold fast the traditions which they had been taught, or the doctrine of the gospel, which had been delivered by the apostle, by word or epistle

 

William Hendriksen in his commentary on 2 Thessalonians points this out;
Over against the damnation which awaits Satan's followers stands the salvation which is in store for God's children
Paul wrote; For "we are obliged to give thanks to God always for you"
see on 2thess.1:3
For "brothers beloved of the Lord" cf. on 1 Thess. 1:4
For "because God chose you" 1 Thess. 1:4
For "salvation "see on 1 Thess. 5:8,9
For "sanctification" see on 1Thess.4:3,7
For "belief" see on 2 Thess.1:3,4,11; 1Thess.1:3
For "truth" see on 2 Thess. 2:10,12
For "calling" see on1 Thess.1:5; 2:12; 4:7; 5:24.
For "with a view to obtaining" see on 1 Thess.5:9
For "glory" see on 1 Thess. 2:12
For "our Lord Jesus Christ" see on 1 Thess.1:1

Paul said, we thank God for you, brothers in the faith, because in His sovereign, immutable election God from the beginning chose you to salvation -which is negatively, rescue from the guilt, pollution, and punishment of sin; positively, the entrance into the inheritance reserved for God's children-;
a salvation which becomes your possession through the work of the Holy Spirit, that is, through sanctification.

 

I agree salvation is a trinitarian undertaking.
It is known as the Covenant of Redemption.
God is always sovereign. His Holy attributes are never out of focus.
psa.115;
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
He has set His love on a multitude of sinners.
He saves them to the praise of his glory.
It is simple in many ways.

 

JD731,

There is certainly a teaching of the Covenant of Redemption.
Jd, what is a biblical covenant?
here is a working definition; God's self imposed obligation for the reconciliation of sinners to Himself.
Does that work for you? Do you want to define covenant for us?

Some object after this fashion.
Teachers are given by God to the church.
These teachers are men.
These teachers have seen a description of this Covenant in the words of scripture.Jn 6:37-44, Hebrews 2:9-16

The Covenant of Redemption was revealed by Jesus. God has one people for all time now, The Church that assembles on the last day.. The old and new Covenant were the progressive revelation of the Covenant of Redemption.

Gentiles have been grafted in Rom.11.They are on equal footing, not second class citizens,EPH.2-3

All mentions of the gospel are under the heading of the gospel of the Kingdom; Mk.1
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Yes, good verses

Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

The scope and definition of the gospel of God:

Commentary:


Romans 15:15-17
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.


Romans 15:25-27
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

I hope you get the point.[/QUOTE]

These are good verses, and even better if we read this portion you by passed; rom.15
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.