Blameless People at Christ’s Return

Summary: Paul closes the letter with a prayer that the God of peace Himself would sanctify the believers entirely. He asks that their whole being—spirit, soul, and body—be preserved blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their confidence rests not in themselves but in God, who has called them and who is faithful to accomplish this work. Paul then asks the believers to pray for him and his companions. He encourages them to greet all the brothers and sisters with affection and solemnly charges them to have the letter read to all the believers. Finally, he concludes with a blessing, praying that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ would be with them. The passage ends with confidence in God's faithfulness, a call to mutual care and prayer, and a blessing of Christ's grace upon the church. Teaching: God's holiness is always accompanied by peace. Peace and holiness are closely connected. It is in an atmosphere of peace that we grow to resemble our holy God. Because He is the God of peace, true peace is found in abiding in Him. God desires that we be made complete and entirely holy. He wants our whole spirit, soul, and body to be preserved blameless at the coming of Christ. This is what holiness means. The reason we must receive the Holy Spirit is that He dwells within us. Through His presence, our spirit is united with God's Spirit. Our soul—our thoughts, emotions, and will—is then brought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we live by faith, we do so with our whole being: spirit, soul, and body. As we proclaim God's Word and as we read, hear, and learn it, the grace of Christ is confirmed among us. Through that Word, we receive peace, grow in holiness, and are transformed. In this way, we are being prepared to stand blameless when Jesus returns. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Jul 24, 2026 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28