13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because

14 To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

— 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 16-17

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

— Romans 9:16

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.

— 2 Timothy 1:9

1 To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

— Philippians 3:21

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Thanks be to God! God loves us! He planned salvation for believers and chose us from the beginning. He chose us and called us through the gospel so that we might be saved through the sanctification of the Spirit and we might obtain the glory of the Lord. Believers, being washed by the water in God’s words and renewed by God’s Spirit, learn to trust God who actively works for our faith and spiritual growth.

God took the initiative in salvation out of His great love toward us. Salvation is not from our human efforts. It’s God’s working on us. Let’s be greatly encouraged and comforted. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace. God establishes us in the good work for His glory and for our eternal salvation and glorification — the transformation of our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body by His great power.