The apostle Paul's benediction in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a prayer for the sanctifying work of God's Spirit, invoking the blessings of sanctification and explaining that it is a work of God, not just human efforts. The text teaches that sanctification includes not just the soul, but also the body, and that it is a process that will be completed at the coming of Jesus Christ. The faithful God who calls believers is also faithful to complete the sanctifying work in their lives, and believers are encouraged to participate in this process through their desires and efforts, but ultimately, it is God's guarantee that they will be saved and experience full and final salvation.
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