Ministry of Grace Church

that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ will one day receive all the glory and all the praise that is due to Him alone.

Behind the Words

Onoma is the Greek word translated “name.” It can be used to refer to a name, a title, or the person. Throughout the Old Testament, the name of God reveals and represents the character of God. It is likely that Paul used the word here in the same way, referring to the person Jesus Christ.

“May be glorified” is from the verb endoxadzō, which in verse ten we saw means “to be enveloped in glory” or “to appear glorious.” The root of this word, doxa, which primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, splendor, or light.”

The words “according to” are translated from the preposition kata. This word primarily means “down” or “down upon,” but it is often used metaphorically to express a relation in which one thing stands toward another and is usually translated as “according to.”

The word “grace” is from the Greek noun charis. This word is based on the verb chairo, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis means “that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, or acceptance as a result of a kindness granted.” It is often translated as grace, thanks, or favor.

Meaning Explained

The main purpose of this second letter to the Christians in Thessalonica is to give more information concerning the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entire second chapter of the letter focuses on this event exclusively. This first chapter serves as a prelude to the circumstances of His return.

Notice how Paul comes back again to the “glory of Jesus Christ.” The Christian era, from the cross to the rapture, is a demonstration of God’s grace toward sinners who deserve His wrath, but who will be blessed instead. The seven year period we refer to as the Tribulation will demonstrate God’s judgment against those who reject Him. His return is not to give attention to those of us who believe, nor is it to focus all of creation on His judgment against unbelievers. The central focus of Christ’s return is to highlight the glory of God in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In fact, if you read through the Bible carefully, you will see that the reason for all of creation is to focus attention on God. Many Christians are quick to point out that unbelievers are focused on themselves and reject God because it takes the focus off themselves and their lives. But, we Christians have the same tendency. We think that salvation is all about us and living for God means doing what we have to in order to get the most blessing possible from God. The peak of the crescendo of all creation will be the return of Jesus Christ when He will receive all the glory and all the praise.

Application

Let’s practice giving God all the glory and all the praise. It’s what He deserves and what He will receive when He comes.