But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
What role does belief have in our salvation? Paul indirectly answered this question as he addressed the Thessalonian church’s confusion concerning the Lord’s return. Paul first assured them that the Lord’s return had not yet happened and then told them about a “man of lawlessness” who would come first.
This man of lawlessness would deceive those who “refused to believe the truth and so be saved” (2 Thess. 2:10). Because they refused to believe the truth, God would send them “a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thess. 2:11) of Satan and be condemned. Their condemnation would come, not because of God’s delusion, but because they refused to believe the truth.
The Thessalonian believers stood in contrast to those who refused to believe the truth. Paul expressed thankfulness for these believers who were loved by God and chosen as the first fruits of the harvest that would follow.
Unlike those who perished because they refused to believe the truth, the Thessalonian believers were saved “through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” Those who refused to believe received a powerful delusion and condemnation. But those who believed the truth were sanctified by the Holy Spirit and were saved.
What is the truth that some believed and others rejected? Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life–the only way to the Father (John 14:6). The choice is clear. Will you believe in Jesus and be saved? Or will you refuse to believe and be condemned? There is no more important question in life than this.
