But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
Salvation involves the work of God first and foremost. God provided the means of my salvation through the satisfying sacrifice of His Son. The death of Christ provided the satisfaction of the penalty of my sin. The resurrection of Christ provides the means for me to have a new life forever covered by the righteousness of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It all begins with Jesus. It is all provided by this magnificent grace.
But I must believe. I must, by faith believe this truth. I must commit my hearts and life fully to the reality of my salvation and I must entrust my soul into His care. This is vital. I did not do the saving. I do not do the transforming. But by faith I am saved. By faith I am changed. By faith the Spirit of God comes to dwell within me and my Savior loves to change me. I must believe to know this change. I must commit to Jesus to know I am beloved by the Lord. He did the impossibly hard work of atoning for my sin. I do the trusting, believing, and obeying as He renews my life.
My life has been lived in this tender tension of trusting Jesus Who has done everything for me. And in denying myself, taking up a cross of faith, and following Him, I am totally transformed! And it is He who comforts my heart and establishes me in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:17).
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