Church of God, Carmichael, CA
H. M. Riggle, 1900
[Original Page Numbers]
At the time Paul wrote his epistle to them, it cannot be denied they were children of God. They were the "called of Jesus Christ," "beloved of God," "saints," and their "faith was spoken of throughout the whole world." Rom. 1:6 8. Yet they were not established in holiness. Rom. 1:11; 1 Thess. 3:13. Paul showed them that this degree of grace was to be entered by faith. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom [through whom—Sawyer] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."—Rom. 5 :1, 2
"Being justified" they had "peace with God." Yet they were not established in perfect holiness. He then clearly showed them that besides "being justified," they had "also access by faith into this grace wherein we stand;" namely, the establishing grace: and that it was entered "through Christ."
He further exhorted them to attain to this experience, "Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."—Rom. 6:13. "Present yourselves to God."— Revised. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. . . . that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."—Rom. 12:1, 2. "This is the will of God, even your sanctification."—1 Thess. 4:3. "Even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."—Rom. 6:19. "So now present your members bound to righteousness, for sanctification."—Emphatic D.
This is positive and clear. The Roman "brethren" were already regenerated—"made alive from the dead"— and now Paul commands them to present themselves a living sacrifice unto God, "for sanctification." This was [49] not to be deferred until death, but "now present yourselves," etc.
Paul addressed them as "brethren ;" "the church of God;" "God's husbandry;" "God's building." "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus."—1 Cor. 1:30. "Babes in Christ." —1 Cor. 3:1. They had "believed, and were baptized." Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 3:5. This is sufficient proof that they were not backslidden when Paul wrote his epistle to them. A few of them had already attained to the experience of entire sanctification (1 Cor. 1:2), but the majority were yet carnal. 1 Cor. 3:1 3. This does not imply that they had lost the grace of God, and had become carnal, but ye are "yet carnal;" that is, ye have allowed inbred carnality to remain in you until the present time.
Paul urged these brethren on to the experience of perfect holiness. "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect." —2 Cor. 13:11. "And this also we wish, even your perfection."—Ver. 9. "Having therefore these p r o m i s e s, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."—2 Cor. 7:1. "And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit." "second grace."—Margin. 2 Cor. 1:15. Here we see that Paul not only urged these brethren by letter, but earnestly desired to come unto them that they might receive this "second grace."
1. They were fully converted. Paul addressed them as "the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ." He further says, "We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers: remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in the word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: [50] as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad.... Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God."—1 Thess. 1:1 9.
This is too plain to need comment. It cannot be denied that the Thessalonian brethren, to whom Paul addressed his epistle, were genuinely converted to God.
2. They were not backslidden. Paul was at Athens and sent Timothy to "comfort them concerning their faith." —3:1, 2. "Now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: therefore, brethren, we are comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith."—1 Thess. 3:6, 7. Here we see that Timothy brought Paul a good report of their spiritual condition. But while they were clearly justified, there was still something lacking.
3. A Lack, "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith."—1 Thess. 3:10.
4. What was the lack? "To the end he may stablish your hearts unblamable in holiness."—1 Thess. 3:13. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification." 4: :3 "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 4:7. "And the very God of peace sanctify you' wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."—1 Thess. 5 :23, 24. "The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."—2 Thess. 3:3.
5334 Whitney Ave. Carmichael, CA. 95608
Pastor, Church Telephone (916) 482-7128