13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits (or, chose you from the beginning) to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:12-17 (English Standard Version)

Earlier in this letter the apostle Paul warned the followers of Christ to not be misled by people who were claiming that the return of Jesus Christ had, somehow, mysteriously already taken place. He told them that the Lord's return will be an unmistakable event, and that before it happened, God was going to send a strong delusion on people who had refused to love the truth the gospel had brought, and had thereby rejected the salvation God had made known. But in the case of the Christians at Thessalonica, however, what was Paul convinced of? (vs 13)

He was totally convinced that God had chosen them to be part of His people, whom He set apart by His Holy Spirit from the rest of the world, to be saved. This was all brought about through their 'believing the truth' which other people in Thessalonica had rejected. This obviously raises an issue that has divided Christian opinion over the years. Why did God choose some to believe and not others? My answer is, we don't know? There are things God does that we can't explain. But for anyone struggling with the question “has God chosen me for salvation?”, I suggest they look at vs 14 to see how God's choice and call becomes true in anyone's life.

God's call comes through the message of the gospel. Have you believed that message? Have you repented of sin and given your life to Jesus Christ? Do you look to Him as your Lord? If so, then what Paul said of the Christians in Thessalonica must be true of you as well! And if that is the case, what is the important thing you, and all believers, must do? (vs 15)

Stand firm! Cling to the apostolic message you heard and believed. Don't be sidetracked by people who try to change the message which the apostles preached. There are people who try to modernize the gospel to adapt it to an ever changing world. And then there are sects, like JW's, Mormons, and others, who re-shape the gospel to mean something they think should be taught. We have an example in Philippians 3:17-4:1 where Paul writes: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord!”

We become Christians through believing the gospel the apostles preached - and we continue as Christians by standing firm on the truth we received. We refuse to be swayed by new ideas and novelties. We are not taken in even by those who do what seem to be miraculous things. Fortunately, we are not left all on our own in this battle of truth versus error. What is the great encouragement we can take for standing firm? (vs 16-17)

Paul lifted up a prayer for those Thessalonians that almighty God would Himself establish them! To establish something means to make it firm, settled, and lasting. Why should God do that for them? 'Well', says, Paul, 'because God loved them, and had given them eternal comfort'. That's what the message from Jesus Christ, and about Jesus Christ, does for those who believe. It assures us of God's amazing love, and gives us a solid hope of life beyond the grave. It's what causes us to turn from all that is wrong, to all that is good. Yes, we may be so slow at making that change, but it does take place. And as long as we stand firm on what we have believed, the change will gather speed, and we will serve the Lord with more and more eagerness. May God make that our experience.