November 11

From: Continual Burnt Offering By: Henry Allan Ironside

2 Thessalonians 2:13‑14

“But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” ―2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14¹³But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: ¹⁴Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13‑14).

NOTICE the order here. Believers were chosen by God from the beginning. He foreknew all who would form part of the Church, the Body and Bride of His Son. In bringing them to the knowledge of salvation He wrought upon their hearts by His Holy Spirit, thus separating them from the godless world around. As a result of the Spirit’s working they were led to believe the truth— “the word is the truth of the gospel”— and now they can look forward in faith to the coming glory into which they shall enter at our Lord’s return. How every heart should go out to God in thanksgiving, when such grace is known!

“I am not told to labor,

To put away my sin;

So foolish, weak, and helpless,

I never could begin.

But blessed truth— I know it!

Though ruined by the fall,

Christ for my soul hath suffered,

Yes, Christ has done it all.

And if I now would seek Him, —

In love He sought for me,

When far from Him I wandered

In sin and misery;