Thematic Bible: Saints elected to salvation through

These people have been [specially] selected, and [their acceptance was] pre-planned by God the Father, and they were set apart through [the work of] the Holy Spirit. This resulted in their obedience and sprinkling [Note: This is a figurative reference to the Old Testament practice of cleansing, See Exodus 24:7-8] by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be continually upon you.

Verse Concepts

Ability, Of God To SaveGod, All knowingFaith, Nature Ofethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InGod, Unity OfHoliness, Believers' Growth InGod's ForeknowledgeRevelation, Responses ToSanctification, Nature And BasisSprinklingAbundance, Spiritual

Obedience To GodPredestination, Of EventsForeordained PlansOrderliness In SalvationThe Trinity In SalvationThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSprinkling BloodGod In Three PersonsGrace Be To YouThe FatherThe Blood Of JesusSanctificationIdentity In Christ

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].

Verse Concepts

ethics, and graceelection, to salvationElection, Results InElection, Characteristics OfChristiansBeing ChosenBeginningGod, Purpose OfGrace, And Holy SpiritHoliness, Believers' Growth InPeople Of God, In NtPredestined PeopleSanctification, Means And Results

Sanctification, Nature And BasisAcceptance, Of The GospelBeing ForeordainedThe Holy Spirit And PraiseThe Holy Spirit, And SanctificationSaved By FaithFrom The BeginningChosen DisciplesThanking God For PeopleThe Gospel Of SalvationElectSanctificationChristians Being Called Brothers