DELUDING INFLUENCE Part 4

In the last posting we took a closer look at the "they & them" in 2 Thessalonians, so I believe it is now time to look at those the writer was thankful for, those who were not a part of this delusional crowd. We not only need to look at who they were but why they would not be counted with the delusional.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

The first clue that we have is the FACT of God choosing them from the beginning for salvation. There has been great debate over the centuries as to predestination VS free will, and I am sure that we are not going to come to any type of conclusion within this little BLOG…….however…….there is great merit in the FACT that because of the seal of God's Holy Spirit imparted to all those who truly are BORN AGAIN, He knew beforehand who was actually going to accept that prerequisite or not. Secondly, Paul made the observation of God "calling them through the gospel"…..or the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way. Lastly is the commendation of them "standing firm" and "holding to" the traditions (or, the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH) as taught by those walking in the TRUTH and talking about the TRUTH.

So again, by using simple deductive reasoning; if you want to be sure that you are not going to be part of the deluded crowd just respond to God's invitation (it's His desire that all would be saved), His way (through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ), with real repentance for your sin and acceptance of His guarantee of finishing the job (regenerating power of God's indwelling Holy Spirit).

Everyone else (the Theys & Thems) are invited to board the good ship DELUSION for a guaranteed trip to a much "warmer climate" with some pretty "HOT' entertainment! And since we also have His divine proclamation that the "gospel" WILL be preached to every person on the planet before His Son returns…

Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

…..the "Theys & Thems" will be without excuse!