October 01 2026

October 01 Thursday

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

“Beloved by the Lord”

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. For several days we've been looking at some very serious prophetic truths in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. Paul has talked about rebellion, the man of sin, Satanic deception, and people who reject the truth. But beginning in verse 13, the whole tone changes. Paul says: “But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord.” I love those words: “Beloved by the Lord.”

After everything Paul has said about what is coming upon this world, he reminds these believers who they are. They belong to Jesus. They are loved by God. And if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior today, so are you. Sometimes we need to stop thinking about everything happening around us and simply remember: I am loved by God. Not because I've earned His love. Not because I've always done everything right. But because of His grace.

Paul continues by speaking about God's work in their salvation—through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and “belief in the truth.” Notice how that contrasts with yesterday's passage. Those who perish rejected the truth. These believers believed the truth. And what is the truth that saves us? The Gospel. Paul says in verse 14 that God called them: “by our gospel.” The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. That's the message Paul preached in Thessalonica. Some rejected it. Others believed it. And those who believed were never the same again.

That's exactly what Paul had said in his first letter to them. He said the Gospel came to them not merely in word, but “in power, and in the Holy Spirit.” That's what happens when someone truly receives the Gospel. The Holy Spirit begins transforming that person's life. And then Paul says something remarkable about where all of this is headed. God has called us: “for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Think about that! We began this chapter talking about our gathering together to Jesus. Now, near the end of the chapter, Paul reminds us that God's ultimate purpose is for us to share in the glory of Christ.

Romans 8 says that those whom God justified, He also glorified. One day this salvation God began in us will be complete. No more sin. No more temptation. No more sickness. No more pain. No more aging. No more funerals. No more death. We will be with Jesus and made like Him. John wrote: “When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” That's where we're headed! And that's why Bible prophecy should give believers hope. We're not simply waiting to see what happens to the world. We're waiting for Jesus. And until He comes, remember who you are. You are beloved by the Lord.

Maybe you're going through a difficult season today. Perhaps you feel forgotten. Perhaps someone you loved is no longer here. Perhaps your health isn't what it once was. Perhaps circumstances have changed in ways you never expected. But this has not changed: You are beloved by the Lord. The God Who loved you enough to send His Son to die for you hasn't stopped loving you. The Savior Who saved you hasn't forgotten you. The Holy Spirit Who began His work in you hasn't abandoned you. And the God Who called you through the Gospel will finish what He started.

Paul wrote in Philippians: “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” So today, whatever is happening around you, rest in this wonderful assurance: I belong to Jesus. I am loved by Jesus. And one day I will be with Jesus. That's a pretty good way to start your day!

Let's pray. Father, thank You that those of us who have trusted Jesus Christ are beloved by You. Thank You for calling us through the Gospel, for the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, and for the wonderful promise that one day our salvation will be complete and we will be with Jesus. Help us live today with gratitude, confidence, and hope, remembering how deeply You love us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!