1 Thessalonians 4:7

7 For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us
The Syriac version reads "you". This is another reason to enforce the above exhortations, and to caution them against the above unclean practices, taken from the end of the effectual calling by the efficacious grace of God, which is not

unto uncleanness
of any sort, as before specified. This they had lived in before their calling, and were now called from it into communion with Christ, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and by the Gospel, which teaches to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to forsake all impurity, both of flesh and spirit:

but
this call is

unto holiness
of life and conversation in general, and to chastity in thought, look, word, and actions in particular; for God that calls is holy, and therefore those who are called ought to be so; the calling with which they are called is an holy calling, principles of grace and holiness are wrought in their souls, when they are called; and the end of their calling is to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and then, and then only, do they walk worthy of that calling wherewith they are called, and of God who has, by his grace, called them to his kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 In-Context

5 not with affection of lust, as the Gentiles who do not know God,
6 that no one oppress and defraud his brother in any matter because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification.
8 He therefore that despises us, does not despise man, but God, who has also given unto us his Holy Spirit.
9 But as touching love among the brethren, ye need not that I write unto you, for ye yourselves have learned of God that ye are to show charity to one another.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010