The verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 states, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” This is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness towards those He has called to salvation. Let’s break down the meaning and significance of this verse:
God is the One who calls us
First, Paul establishes that it is God who calls us. Our salvation begins with God taking the initiative to call us to Himself. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Before we had any inclination to follow Christ, God was drawing us to Himself. As Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” (John 6:44). Salvation is all of grace, and the glory goes to God alone.
God’s call is effectual
God’s call does not merely make salvation possible – it actually accomplishes salvation in our lives. The Bible makes it clear that God’s call enables and ensures our positive response of faith. As Paul writes in Romans 8:30, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified.” All those who are called are also justified, or saved. God’s call overcomes our spiritual deadness and opens our hearts to saving faith. His call is not weak, but powerful and effectual by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
God’s call is irrevocable
An effectual call cannot be reversed or undone. Paul emphasizes the permanence of God’s call by using the Greek word kaleo twice back-to-back in this verse. We could translate it, “The one who calls you to himself calls you…” It is a done deal! God will never go back on His word or change His mind. As Paul writes in Romans 11:29, “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” The permanence of our salvation rests on the faithfulness of God.
God will complete the work He began
Not only has God called us to salvation, but Paul declares He “will surely do it.” Our future glorification is guaranteed. God finishes what He started! As Paul writes in Philippians 1:6, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” God’s work of sanctification continues through our earthly lives until finally we are made perfect in glory. We can have full confidence in God’s faithfulness.
God’s faithfulness spans Old and New Testaments
This principle of God’s faithfulness echoes many Old Testament passages. For example, David proclaims, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever” (Psalm 138:8). And Jeremiah records God’s promise, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). From beginning to end, the Bible testifies to God’s trustworthiness.
Our response should be faithfulness to God
How should this truth impact us? Firstly, it should give us great assurance – our salvation rests on the faithfulness of an almighty, unchanging God. Secondly, it should lead us to deep gratitude. God loved us, called us, and will perfect us – what an undeserved privilege! Thirdly, this truth ought to inspire our own faithfulness. As 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son.” Our faithful God deserves faithful followers.
God’s past faithfulness gives hope for the future
This verse was written to believers who were suffering persecution and afflictions. How comforting for them to be reminded of God’s faithful character! They could look back and see His steadfastness. They could trust that the God who brought them safely thus far would remain faithful, no matter what the future held. Just as He called them to salvation, He would surely preserve them through every trial until the coming of Christ.
God’s faithfulness is contrasted with man’s unfaithfulness
While God is always faithful, the Bible is clear about man’s tendency towards unfaithfulness. We are fickle, but God remains constant. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful – for he cannot deny himself.” God is immutable; He cannot act in any way contrary to His nature. Even when we are unfaithful, He faithfully disciplines and restores us as His children. His faithfulness is our lifeline.
God’s faithfulness gives purpose and meaning
It is deeply comforting to know our lives are in the hands of a faithful God who is working out His perfect plans and purpose for us. Our lives take on great significance when we understand that God has called us to glorify Him. We can fully invest our lives in service to God, knowing nothing is in vain and no labor in the Lord is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 15:58). His faithfulness ensures our lives are never aimless or meaningless.
God’s faithfulness means our faith is not in vain
Sometimes our faith wavers and falters. But when we stumble, we can recall God’s faithfulness. He remains steadfast even when we are faithless. Our salvation does not ultimately depend on the strength of our faith, but on the faithfulness of Christ. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Even weak and mustard seed-sized faith is effectual, because it rests on the sturdy foundation of God’s faithfulness.
In summary…
God calling us to salvation in Christ is a demonstration of His amazing grace and love. His call overcomes our resistance and makes us willing to respond in faith. Having called us, He remains committed to completing our salvation from start to eternal finish. Though we waver, He remains steadfast. This truth anchors our lives in purpose, meaning, and assurance. Despite hardships, we can trust His ongoing faithfulness. Our faithful God deserves and delights in a faithful people who live obediently for His glory.