The Power of the Gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:3-5 KJV

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Paul said he knew the Thessalonians were the elect of God; that they were saved. He knew it from more than the doctrinal standpoint as God is “not willing any should perish but all should come to repentance.”, yet we know that most do not.

Nor was his confidence in their true salvation based upon their testimony of faith, i.e. their:

·       Work of faith

·       Labor of love

·       Patience of hope

Though these were reason for praise and glad prayer on his behalf. No doubt but there is cause for rejoicing in the testimony of the converted living for God.

Neither did Paul affirm that his reason for knowing their spiritual condition was because he was the one who had preached the Gospel to them. 

Paul’s assurance that they were saved was because of the confidence he had in the effectiveness of the Gospel. Their salvation rested not in the skills of the preacher but in the power of the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Ghost through that Gospel.

We rejoice and rest in that power.