In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, the Greek phrase "εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ὁ θεὸς ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς εἰς σωτηρίαν" is key to understanding the significance of the preposition "to" in the English translation.
- εἵλατο – This verb means "he chose," clearly indicating that the action of choosing is done by God.
- εἰς – This preposition, often translated as "into" or "unto," is used to express purpose or result. In this context, it signifies that God's choice is directed toward a specific purpose: salvation.
- σωτηρίαν – This is the noun "salvation."
Thus, the phrase "εἰς σωτηρίαν" can be understood as "for the purpose of salvation" or "unto salvation." This indicates that God's act of choosing from the beginning was aimed at bringing about the salvation of those He chose.
This structure strongly suggests that God did not choose people because they believed, but rather, He chose them with the purpose of their salvation, which includes their eventual faith. This aligns with the Reformed understanding of election, where faith is seen as a result of God's sovereign choice rather than the cause of it. God's election precedes and causes faith, which means He chose them "in order that they might believe," not because they already did.
This interpretation is supported by other biblical passages like Ephesians 1:4-5, which emphasize God's sovereign choice and purpose in salvation. Therefore, the use of "εἰς" ("unto") indicates purpose, affirming that God chose His people in order for them to be saved and believe.
The full phrase in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 reads:
"God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth."
In the Greek:
"εἵλατο ὑμᾶς ὁ θεὸς ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς εἰς σωτηρίαν ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας."
Key Breakdown:
- ἐν ἁγιασμῷ πνεύματος: "through the sanctification of the Spirit" — The process of being made holy by the Holy Spirit.
- καὶ πίστει ἀληθείας: "and belief in the truth" — Refers to faith in the truth, that is, the gospel truth.
How Does This Fit?
Paul is stating that God chose believers unto salvation, but he also describes how this salvation comes to fruition in their lives:
- Salvation is brought about through two means:
- The sanctification of the Holy Spirit, which refers to the ongoing work of the Spirit to make the believer holy.
- The believer's faith in the truth (the gospel), which is the response that accompanies God's work of sanctification.
Connection Between Election and Faith:
- Election (God's choice) is the foundation, but the means by which this choice is realized in time and space is through:
- The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (the inner transformation).
- The person's belief in the truth (faith in the gospel message).
Understanding the Relationship:
- God's choosing is the first cause. He elects people "unto salvation," and this salvation unfolds in the lives of those chosen.
- The sanctification by the Spirit and the belief in the truth are the means by which God's eternal choice is made evident in the life of the believer.
In other words, faith is not the reason for God's choosing, but rather, it is the result of His choosing. God elected believers to salvation, and this election manifests as the Spirit sanctifies them and as they come to believe in the truth.
This is consistent with the Reformed view that faith itself is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the outworking of His sovereign grace. Election is the cause, and faith and sanctification are the results of God's gracious choice.