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1 Thessalonians 1

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Wesleyan–Holiness Lens · 1 Thessalonians

The single clearest NT text for entire sanctification.

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:14themeEntire sanctification — without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Who
Author of Hebrews
To
Wavering Jewish Christians
Where
Late 1st century, possibly Rome
When
An exhortation to pursue peace and holiness as conditions of seeing God
Why:Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians ('sanctify you wholly') and Hebrews' warning describe the same Spirit-wrought life.
Context:These two texts form the backbone of the Wesleyan doctrine of Christian perfection — perfect love, not sinless absolutism.
Read Hebrews 12:14 →
Ezekiel 36:26theme'I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.'
Who
Yahweh, through Ezekiel
To
Exiles in Babylon
Where
Babylonian exile, after Jerusalem's fall
When
God's promise of inward renewal to a people whose religion had failed
Why:Paul's prayer for entire sanctification fulfills Ezekiel's vision — the heart of stone replaced by a heart of flesh.
Context:The Holiness movement reads Ezekiel 36 as the OT side of Pentecost's coin.
Read Ezekiel 36:26 →
John 17:17theme'Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth.'
Who
Paul
To
The young church in Thessalonica
Where
Corinth, c. AD 50
When
Paul's benediction asking God to sanctify believers wholly
Why:Jesus prays in John 17 for his disciples' sanctification; Paul prays for it to be answered in every congregation.
Context:The High Priestly Prayer and Paul's benediction together teach that sanctification is God's work in answer to prayer.
Read John 17:17 →

About 1 Thessalonians

Author: Paul
Date: c. AD 51
Themes: Hope, Sanctification, Return

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