Counted Worthy
2Thess 1:5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
That is, when those who reject the gospel portray such hostility against Christians, it shows that God is right in condemning them. And when Christians behave as Christians should, it shows God is right in counting them worthy of the kingdom. But if salvation is a free gift, doesn't "counted worthy" imply some kind of work or effort. Indeed Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door" Luke 13:24 and he spoke of those "worthy of taking part" in the age to come. (Luke 20:35) and he says, "anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Mt 10:38 Though salvation is free, it is not unconditional. It is conditioned upon Christian faith. Faith is not a work, it's an attitude, but nonetheless requires effort to apply. Now there are those today who would discourage Christians from making an effort at applying their faith, who preach a non-application oriented faith which is not Biblical faith. The faith that saves is the faith that works. Their perseverance under trial was evidence of their faith.
Now consider yourself as to whether you are worthy of the kingdom and by what measure God will reckon you worthy. For if salvation is conditioned upon faith, what evidence is there of your faith? And if you were put on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
2Thess 1:5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
That is, when those who reject the gospel portray such hostility against Christians, it shows that God is right in condemning them. And when Christians behave as Christians should, it shows God is right in counting them worthy of the kingdom. But if salvation is a free gift, doesn't "counted worthy" imply some kind of work or effort. Indeed Jesus said, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door" Luke 13:24 and he spoke of those "worthy of taking part" in the age to come. (Luke 20:35) and he says, "anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Mt 10:38 Though salvation is free, it is not unconditional. It is conditioned upon Christian faith. Faith is not a work, it's an attitude, but nonetheless requires effort to apply. Now there are those today who would discourage Christians from making an effort at applying their faith, who preach a non-application oriented faith which is not Biblical faith. The faith that saves is the faith that works. Their perseverance under trial was evidence of their faith.
Now consider yourself as to whether you are worthy of the kingdom and by what measure God will reckon you worthy. For if salvation is conditioned upon faith, what evidence is there of your faith? And if you were put on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
