2nd.Thessalonians 1:1-12 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from Heaven with HIS mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST."
"GOD hath given [the HOLY SPIRIT] to them that obey HIM" (Acts 5:32). "HE became the AUTHOR of eternal salvation unto all them that obey HIM" (Hebrews 5:9). These verses are speaking of obedience to the Gospel. What does that mean ? GOD commands men to be saved: "And this is HIS commandment, That we should believe on the name of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST (1st.John 3:23 pictured as top of post). The sinner must obey the Gospel by believing on the LORD JESUS CHRIST; the one condition for salvation is faith in JESUS CHRIST and faith alone (Acts 16:31 pictured above). "But now [GOD] commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). If a person refuses to repent (change his mind) and believe on CHRIST, then he has disobeyed the Gospel: "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" (v.8 cf. 1st.Peter 4:17 pictured below). Thus, rejecting the Gospel is an act of disobedience - a refusal to obey the LORD's command to repent and believe on JESUS CHRIST for eternal salvation.
It is essential to understand that obeying CHRIST's commands for daily living is not a requirement for salvation; it is a result of salvation -- making obedience a condition for salvation distorts the Gospel of grace. We do not obey in order to be saved; we obey because we are saved. Any gospel that calls for "surrendering" or fulfilling JESUS' discipleship demands is focusing on what a sinner must do, but when it comes to salvation by grace (the true Gospel), the only focus is on the finished work of CHRIST and what HE has done. No one in Heaven will say, "LORD, I'm here because I surrendered to YOUR LORDship and discipleship requirements." No, our only claim is JESUS CHRIST. GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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