2 Thessalonians

13-14. But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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15. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.

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13-14. But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John Chrysostom comments, "How unto salvation? By sanctifying you through the Spirit. For these are the things that are the efficient causes of our salvation. It is nowhere of works, nowhere of righteous deeds, but through belief of the truth. Here again, 'in' is used for 'through.' 'And through sanctification of the Spirit,' he says,

'Whereunto He called you through our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

This too is no little thing, if Christ considers our salvation His glory. For it is the glory of the Friend of man that they that are saved should be many. Great then is our Lord, if the Holy Spirit so desires our salvation. Why did he not say faith first? Because even after sanctification we have yet need of much faith, that we may not be shaken. Do you see how He shows that nothing is of themselves, but all of God?" (Commentary).

15. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.