1 Thessalonians 4:7

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.
The Message Bible (MSG)
7 God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful - as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
American Standard Version (ASV)
7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
7 God didn't call us to be sexually immoral but to be holy.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to sanctification.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
7 God chose us to live pure lives. He wants us to be holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us
The Syriac version reads "you". This is another reason to enforce the above exhortations, and to caution them against the above unclean practices, taken from the end of the effectual calling by the efficacious grace of God, which is not

unto uncleanness
of any sort, as before specified. This they had lived in before their calling, and were now called from it into communion with Christ, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and by the Gospel, which teaches to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to forsake all impurity, both of flesh and spirit:

but
this call is

unto holiness
of life and conversation in general, and to chastity in thought, look, word, and actions in particular; for God that calls is holy, and therefore those who are called ought to be so; the calling with which they are called is an holy calling, principles of grace and holiness are wrought in their souls, when they are called; and the end of their calling is to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and then, and then only, do they walk worthy of that calling wherewith they are called, and of God who has, by his grace, called them to his kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 In-Context

5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;
6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.
7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15
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