Let me speak to you about something that matters more than anything else in this life: how to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians has been on my mind lately. His purpose in writing was to clear up misunderstandings about the Second Coming of Christ. But what stands out to me is how he lays out two sobering truths that must happen before Jesus returns. First, there must be a great falling away. A heartbreaking apostasy. And second, the man of sin must be revealed, one who will deceive many, especially those who are already perishing.
That’s heavy. That’s real. And it breaks my heart to know that many will be swept away in that deception. But in the midst of this warning, Paul gives us something beautiful: a pathway to hope, a way to obtain the glory of Jesus.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12, Paul says he prays—he pleads—that the Thessalonian believers will receive that glory. And then in chapter 2, verses 13 through 17, he gives us the answer to how that glory is obtained.
Here’s what I see:
First, I must recognize that God chose me—from the beginning—for salvation. That’s not Calvinism. I’m not talking about a predestined list of who can be saved and who can’t. I’m talking about God choosing the means of salvation: through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. Just like Paul wrote in Ephesians 1, God predestined the church—His people—to be holy and blameless before Him in love. And when I obey the gospel, He adds me to that body.
But being added to the church isn’t the end. I must make my calling and election sure, just as Peter says in 2 Peter 1:10. This means I must be diligent. I have to keep studying. I have to stay faithful. I have to keep pressing toward the mark.
And Paul tells me how to do that: by standing fast.
Stand fast. I can’t say that enough. That’s what he told the Thessalonians in verse 15. Hold fast to the traditions, the teachings of the apostles. Hold fast to what I’ve heard, to what I read in Scripture. I must not let go of the doctrine that has been delivered to me, whether it came by word or letter.
Why? Because the danger is real. Apostasy is not a theory. It’s a very real possibility, even for me, if I’m not careful. Hebrews 3 warns me of having an evil heart of unbelief. It tells me to encourage others and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
So, how do I stand fast?
Paul says it’s through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. The Spirit sanctifies me—sets me apart—through the revealed Word of God. That Word, delivered and confirmed by the apostles through signs, miracles, and wonders, still speaks today. And when I believe that truth, when I hear the gospel, believe it, repent, confess Jesus, and I’m baptized, I am set apart. I become part of God’s chosen. I become one of His elect. Not by accident. Not by force. But by the power of truth and the conviction of my heart.
And through that calling, through that gospel, I can obtain the glory of the Lord. That same glory that will be revealed when Christ comes again.
But I must hold fast. Not just on Sunday. Not just when I feel inspired. But daily. Continually. Until the very end.
And when I feel weary, Paul reminds me in verses 16 and 17 that God Himself, and the Lord Jesus Christ, will comfort my heart. They’ve given me everlasting consolation and hope by grace. And they’ll establish me, not just in belief, but in every good word and work. That’s how I keep going. That’s how I remain steadfast.
So let me ask you this: Where do you stand today? Are you a child of God? If not, then listen to the gospel. Believe it with your whole heart. Repent of your sins, not just in word, but in how you live. Confess Jesus as the Son of God. And be baptized—fully immersed—for the forgiveness of your sins. That’s when your journey begins.
And if you are a child of God, but you’ve stumbled or drifted, go to God in prayer. Ask for His forgiveness. He is faithful. He is just. And He will restore you.
I urge you—don’t delay. Don’t take this message lightly. The glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is real, and it’s waiting for those who answer the call and hold fast until the end.
So I’ll ask you one more time: Where do you stand?
