Verse of the Day for Saturday, March 9, 2024

2 Timothy 1:9

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, March 9, 2024

2 Timothy 1:9

Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

2 Timothy is traditionally believed to be one of the pastoral epistles written by the Apostle Paul. It's addressed to Timothy, a younger colleague and spiritual son of Paul. This letter is thought to be one of Paul's final writings, composed during his second imprisonment in Rome, and it carries a tone of solemnity and urgency. The epistle focuses on faithfulness, endurance in suffering, and the importance of sound teaching.

Divine Initiative in Salvation: Paul begins by acknowledging that salvation is an act of God—"who saved us". This affirms the belief that salvation is initiated by God, not by human efforts or merits.

The Holy Calling: The phrase "called us with a holy calling" suggests that the calling to follow Christ is both divine and set apart (holy). This calling is not just a general invitation but a specific, personal summon by God to live a life in accordance with His purpose.

Contrast with Works: Paul explicitly states that this calling and salvation are "not according to our works". This is a fundamental Christian belief that salvation cannot be earned through human efforts or good deeds. It's a gift from God, not a reward for works.

Rooted in God’s Purpose and Grace: The phrase "according to his own purpose and grace" underscores that salvation and calling align with God’s sovereign plan and gracious character. It’s part of the divine plan, formulated not on the basis of human actions but on God's grace.

The Eternal Nature of Grace: Finally, Paul points out that this grace was given "in Christ Jesus before the ages began". This implies the eternal nature of God’s plan for salvation. It was not an afterthought or a reaction to human sin, but a purposeful plan established before time.

In summary, 2 Timothy 1:9 encapsulates the essence of Christian soteriology - salvation by grace through faith, independent of human merit, rooted in God’s eternal purpose, and actualized through Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a profound reminder of the grace that underpins the Christian faith and the divine calling that each believer has received.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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