1 Thessalonians 4:7

7 For God hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.

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 in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles who know not God:
6 That no [man] go beyond 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 hath not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given to us his holy Spirit.
9 But concerning brotherly love ye need not that I write to you: for ye yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
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