March 24, 2025–1 Thessalonians 1:4- "Beloved and Chosen of God"

1 Thessalonians 1:4

"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

The apostle Paul here addresses the church as belonging to the LORD by His love and electing grace. He commends them for their Faith (Christ being the Object of their Faith), and also steadfastness in the Gospel, which He attributes not to them, but to God's love for them in Christ, and having elected them already in His Son the LORD Jesus. The phrase "brethren beloved" emphasizes not only the deep affection Paul had for these believers but also affirms God's everlasting love for them in Christ. The term "election of God" refers to the divine choosing of the Thessalonian believers, underscoring God's sovereign choice of them in Christ from everlasting for their salvation.

Paul's words serve as both an encouragement and a reminder that their faith is not by "chance," nor by their personal choice, but by God's Sovereign election and choice. This verse underscores the biblical truth of God's electing love, reassuring those who are believers by His grace in Christ that their salvation is sure because it is according to God's will and purpose. Understanding this truth strengthens the Faith of God's elect (Titus 1:1) and produces gratitude for God's unmerited favor in Christ (Ephesians 2:8,9).

What a powerful truth we find here—one that speaks to the sovereign grace of God in salvation. What does Paul mean when he speaks of them being "Beloved of God" and their "Election of God"?

Election is God's Work, Not Ours. Many struggle with the truth of election, because of the depravity and blindness of their heart. They have no problem making choices for themselves, but when it comes to God's choosing, suddenly they have an issue. But Scripture consistently teaches that, "Salvation is of the LORD" (Jonah 2:9). Ephesians 1:4 tells us: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…" Before we ever sought God, He had already set His love upon His people. He didn’t choose us because we would believe—He chose us so that we would believe. Faith is the evidence of election, not the cause of it.

Election is Rooted in God's Love. Notice how Paul addresses the Thessalonians: ‘Brethren beloved’—they are loved by God! The tense of that phrase is of having been beloved by God and that love continuing unconditionally forever. Election isn’t a cold, mechanical decree. It is the outflow of God’s love. As Jeremiah 31:3 declares: "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." God’s love in election is personal, eternal, and unchangeable. It ensures that His people will be saved and kept by His grace.

Election is evidenced by the Spirit's Power. In verse 5, Paul gives the proof of their election: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance…" When God calls His elect, the Gospel comes with power—not just as words heard, but as truth received by Faith, revealed by the Spirit in the heart. The Spirit opens blind eyes, softens hard hearts, and draws sinners irresistibly to Christ.

Resting in Sovereign Grace. If you are a Christian, your salvation is not the result of your efforts, but of God’s eternal, sovereign grace in Christ before the world began. If you have believed, it is because God first loved you, chose you, and called you by His Spirit. This is why Paul could confidently say, “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”

Let us rejoice in this great truth, resting in the assurance that "Salvation is of the LORD" and that His purpose will never fail. To God alone be the glory!

Lord, 'tis not that I did choose you;

That, I know, could never be,

For this heart would still refuse you

Had your grace not chosen me.

You removed the sin that stained me,

Cleansing me to be your own

For this purpose you ordained me,

That I live for you alone.