Believers can know they are among the elect through their faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.
The assurance of being among the elect can be understood through a combination of faith in Jesus and evidence of the Holy Spirit's transformative work in one’s life. In 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Paul expresses gratitude because of God’s election of the Thessalonians, which is evidenced by their response to the gospel. Those who truly believe in Christ and exhibit fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), such as love and joy, are demonstrating the marks of the elect. Moreover, in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul states that God chose believers for salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. Therefore, sincere faith, along with a changed life that aligns with God’s Word, serves as the assurance that one belongs to the elect.
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