What is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:23? Now may the God of peace Himself • Paul begins with a warm benediction, reminding us that peace flows from God’s own character (Romans 15:33; Hebrews 13:20). • Because He is “the God of peace,” we can trust His heart and His power to do what follows—no striving in our own strength, but resting in Him (Philippians 4:9). Sanctify you completely • “Sanctify” means to set apart for holy purposes. This is God’s ongoing work, not a one-time event (1 Thessalonians 4:3). • “Completely” assures us there are no corners of life He overlooks (Philippians 1:6). • Hebrews 10:14 shows both the finished aspect (“perfected for all time”) and the progressive aspect (“being sanctified”). Your entire spirit, soul, and body • God’s redemption embraces every facet of our being. – Spirit: our capacity to know and commune with God (John 4:24). – Soul: mind, will, emotions—our personality (Hebrews 4:12). – Body: our physical life, now a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). • Nothing is off-limits; His grace reaches what we think, feel, and do (Matthew 10:28). Be kept blameless • “Kept” highlights God’s preserving power (Jude 24). • “Blameless” speaks of integrity before Him, not sinless perfection but lives free from accusation because of Christ’s righteousness (Colossians 1:22; Philippians 2:15). • Our part is responsive obedience; His part is the guarding that makes it effective (1 Peter 1:5). At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ • The goal stretches to Christ’s return—the moment faith becomes sight (1 Thessalonians 3:13). • Knowing He is coming motivates present holiness (1 John 3:2-3). • Our bodies will be transformed to match the inner work He is completing now (Philippians 3:20-21). summary God Himself, the author of peace, commits to a thorough sanctifying work that reaches spirit, soul, and body. He preserves us blameless until the day Jesus appears, ensuring that the inward transformation He began will be matched by outward glory at Christ’s return. Trust His faithful process, cooperate in obedience, and live in hopeful anticipation. |
    |