Paul's second prayer in his first letter to the Thessalonians

Last week's post was about Paul's first prayer in 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. This week's focus is on his second prayer in that letter: "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

This was a frequently used benediction at a church I attended many years ago. Let me break it down for you:

Now may the God of peace himself--reminds me of 1 Peter 5:10; in both instances it is God who personally acts and does so now

sanctify you completely--every aspect of you

and may your whole spirit and soul and body--again, comprehensive

be kept blameless--which is to say, without blame in the eyes of our holy God

When?

at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Guarantee?

He who calls you is faithful--his faithfulness, not yours or mine

He will--not might or perhaps

surely do it

All is guaranteed by God's character, not yours or mine. Isn't that wonderful? It may have seemed so to the Thessalonian believers also.