Sanctified Wholly Until His Coming

Synopsis

Paul closes his letter to the Thessalonians with a rapid series of exhortations — rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks, quench not the Spirit — showing that practical holiness touches every corner of daily life. Yet the letter does not end with human effort as the final word. Paul prays, 'the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,' before adding the great assurance: 'Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.' Sanctification, like justification, ultimately rests on God's faithfulness rather than human consistency. The commands to rejoice, pray, and give thanks are not burdens laid on human strength alone but responses enabled by the same God who has promised to complete the work He began. This is righteousness by faith extended into the whole life — begun, continued, and finished by grace.