Comforting our hearts

In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, the apostle Paul wrote, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

These verses are a contrast to the first 11 verses of the chapter which warn of an upcoming apostasy of Christians, headed by a “son of perdition.” People would listen to him and be condemned because they did not love and believe the truth. On the other hand, faithful brethren who have believed the truth are sanctified or set apart by the Holy Spirit’s revelation. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Paul felt “bound” or obligated to thank God for brethren whose hearts have been touched by the gospel.

This “touching of the heart” occurs through the calling of the gospel. Most are prone to believe that this is a miraculous operation of the Spirit; however, it is merely a serious, solemn response to “the perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). The response is not a one-time act, but a righteous life in which one stands fast in the “traditions” they have been taught. Through God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the revelation of the Spirit, we are assured of an “everlasting consolation” that begins when we obey and continues into eternity. In this, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). By this contemplation, our hearts are comforted and strengthened “in every good word and work.”

Kyle Campbell