He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
The verse now is given as a fixed and sure follow up to what was just said concerning being preserved blameless at the coming of the Lord. In this verse, the emphasis is on the person who calls instead of the act of calling. The Greek reads, “Faithful the (one) calling you.” God offers reconciliation through Christ Jesus. When a person accepts that call through faith, nothing can change or nullify what has then been granted. Should those who have been called not be carried all the way to glorification, the very character of God would be forfeit. It is an impossibility.
God is truth. His word says that man is saved by faith through grace. It doesn’t say this is conditional or that God could change His mind. Instead, it says that when a person believes, they are “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13, 14). God has given a guarantee; He will not violate this guarantee. Instead, He “also will do it.” In this, the word “it” is inserted. The object is left unexpressed in the original, thus forming an emphatic expression. “God has said, and He will do.” There is active performance in the work of God, and there is surety in its fulfillment.
Paul’s confidence of such things is seen elsewhere as well. In his second letter to Timothy, we see the same display of surety that he provides to us here –
For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12
This is actually a huge encouragement for believers to possess and to meditate on, especially when they fall short and mess up. They can question, “Why would you love me as you do?”, but there is no reason to question, “Do you still love me after what I have done?” We can confidently avow that because of our faith in Christ Jesus, we are saved, we are sealed, and we are on the sure and guaranteed road to glorification.
Life application: Confidence in the promises of God is a source of rewards all by itself. Demonstrating faith in God’s promises, even when we have failed, shows that we have our trust in Him and not in our own accomplishments or failings. Stand fast on the word, and trust that God is faithful.
Lord God, when we fall short of what You expect of us, You are still faithful to Your word. If we have called on Jesus, the deal is done. Your grace covers our failings, and our faith in that must surely be pleasing to You, especially when we are wondering why You ever saved us in the first place. The fact that You did is what we are continue to trust. And so give us this confidence; a confidence which Your word already proclaims. Amen.