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Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
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1 Thessalonians 1:4
Comments
Paul speaks for himself and also for Silas and Timothy. They had all preached among the Thessalonians. They had all been there. And they are now in Corinth and they are able to say this – ‘Knowing your election of God.’ We are certain that your names have been in the book of life since before the foundation of the world. We are certain of your election, we are certain of your salvation, that you belong to him.How could he be so certain? How could he speak so well of the Thessalonians? Would you not think he might be a little nervous, they have been established for less than a year? Perhaps the Judaisers would come and subvert them and steal them away? But he is able to say that he is certain of your salvation. What is the evidence? How can he be so sure? Well the evidence is in these verses. From verse 3 to verse 8 there are no fewer than eleven solid pieces of evidence that can be observed which mark those Thessalonian converts out as truly saved, truly in the heart of God.And these signs or indications or marks or evidences are very good for us too. If we are saved, they are a great comfort to us. Sometimes we may doubt ourselves if we fall in to some sin, and the enemy may attack us and try to steal away our assurance of salvation. Is there any evidence, solid evidence that I am saved? Well here are eleven areas of evidence that will comfort your heart if you are truly saved, and if you are not saved then the absence of these signs may challenge us to some spiritual realism.
Application
There may be those think that they are Christian, that they walk with Christ, that they have been saved. Are there evidences? Perhaps you are still outside the kingdom, perhaps you are still lost, perhaps you are still under judgement, perhaps you have been deluded and it is a great mistake. The kindest thing we can do is to point out the evidence for this, for while there is life there is still opportunity to seek the Lord.
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