1 Thessalonians 4

My thoughts this morning was much like they were previously where man think, by reading only one verse in the New Testament, that all they have to do is confess Jesus to be saved.  Obviously, if that was so, Paul would have spent little time in preaching baptism, sanctification, holiness, and keeping the commandments.  It becomes apparent the the saints were to strive to become more like Christ which would obviously be repentance and a condition of His grace.

"For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."  New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 3:8)

Standing fast in the Lord includes -

"For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;"  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:2 - 4)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:7)

Paul then preceeds to mention many of the ways we are to strive for holiness.  It is hard to include all of them.  Here are a few -

"...no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:6)

"Not in the lust of concupiscence..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:5)

"...that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

"That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without..."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 4:12)

"Pray without ceasing."  (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."   (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

These are just of a few commandments of the Savior.  Obviously confessing Him only is not all that Paul taught.