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His object, as we have already pointed out, is to warn his believing readers against the
possibility of deception. Having outlined what will be involved in the revelation and
parousia of the Man of Sin, and the consequences which will result to those who received
not the love of the truth, he continues:
"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the
Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through
sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (verse 13).
The believer was chosen, and is chosen, to salvation through reliance on the truth.
How can those whose reliance is on the truth be partakers in any way with those whose
reliance is in the Lie? Indeed they have been chosen through separation of the Spirit and
reliance on the truth. "Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder"
says the marriage service. Yet how frequently do we find a lack of separation in those
who claim to rely on the truth, to have received the love of the truth! Separation and the
truth must go together. Perhaps it is not without significance that Paul here puts
`separation of the Spirit' before `belief of the truth'.
Time and again in Scripture this point is emphasized. John goes so far as to say it is
wrong to greet one who does not bring `this doctrine' of Christ (II John 10). Literally it
is "Do not say `rejoice'."; do not encourage him, having refused him entrance into your
house. How easy it is nowadays to say to such a person, "Well, I don't agree with you, I
can't have fellowship with you, but you are entitled to your beliefs, God bless you". John
continues in the next verse, "For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds". For this reason Paul is so concerned that his Thessalonian friends should be
warned of the possibility of deceit.
Paul writing to Timothy makes a similar point:
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away"
(II Tim. 3: 5).
This, like the letter to the Thessalonians, is in the context of `the last days' (verse 1).
Paul returns to the theme again some verses later (II Tim. 4: 1-5). Again it is in the same
context: the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 1). Here Paul outlines
countermeasures to be taken by the man of God. He is to "preach the Word; be instant
in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine"
(verse 2). This because there will be those who `will not endure sound doctrine' but will
multiply teachers of the Lie, and will turn from the truth accepting myths (verses 3, 4).
But you live soberly . . . . . fully accomplish your ministry (verse 5).
The truth is precious, therefore it is demanding.