“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen“
First Thessalonians does not fade away insignificantly. Paul invokes the matchless, amazing grace of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the Thessalonians.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
There is nothing the Thessalonians need more than the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. They needed sanctifying grace that strengthens the spiritual life.
Notice this grace comes with the authority of the full title of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the full ineffable authority of Christ for this grace. This grace is grace that comes from the work of Christ.
be with you.
Grace is not for the elite but for anyone in the local church. Paul ends as he began with the grace of God (1:1). It is one thing to know about grace, but it is something else to have it as a partner.
Amen
The word “amen” means so be it. It is a word of faith. Paul says in effect, “I agree with the idea that God’s grace abides with believers for their sustaining power to live out the Christian life.”
Principle:
Grace can be our partner as we walk through life.
Application:
If we go through our Christian life without the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we go it on our own. If we appropriate His grace, it will abide with us and give us the strength we would not otherwise have. Sanctifying grace strengthens our spiritual lives.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14 ).
