For God hath not appointed us to wrath
To destruction and ruin, the effect of wrath; though there are
some that are vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction, of old
ordained to condemnation, and who are reserved for the day of
evil; but there are others who are equally children of wrath, as
deserving of the wrath of God in themselves as others, who are
not appointed to it; which is an instance of wonderful and
distinguishing grace to them:
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus
Christ;
salvation is alone by Christ, he alone has wrought it out; it is
in him, and in no other; he was appointed to this work, was
called and sent, and came to do it, and has done it; and God's
elect, who were chosen in him, are appointed in the counsel and
purpose of God, to obtain, possess, and enjoy this salvation; and
which, as this appointment may be known, as it was by these
Thessalonians; the Gospel having come to them, not in word only,
but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as it
is an encouragement to faith and hope, so it excites to sobriety
and watchfulness, and the discharge of every duty. The doctrine
of predestination does not lead to despair, but encourages the
hope of salvation; and it is no licentious doctrine, for election
to salvation by Christ is through sanctification of the Spirit,
and unto holiness; and good works are the fruits of it, and are
what God has foreordained his people should walk in.