Lord’s Library editors offer this 2 Timothy 1:9-10 meaning, with commentary and supporting Scriptures, for your edification.
To gain a 2 Timothy 1:9-10 meaning, see the verses: “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:”
These verses showcase that salvation is entirely by God’s grace and not by works. Paul reminds Timothy that God is the one who saves, and this salvation cannot be earned but is according to His divine purpose, established before time began, and made known through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The phrase “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling” cements that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. This aligns with Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” From the moment of salvation, believers are set apart for God, called with a holy calling, which means their new life is meant to reflect the holiness and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 Meaning
These verses demonstrate that salvation is part of God’s perfect plan and eternal will. As such, this can only mean being saved is not contingent on human action. Before the foundation of the world, God purposed to redeem those who would believe in Christ. See Ephesians 1:4-5: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”
His purpose is rooted in grace, meaning that salvation is not initiated by man but by God’s sovereign will. See Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Any attempt to contribute works to salvation would cheapen grace, but Scripture makes it clear that grace alone is the basis of redemption.
The arrival of Jesus Christ into the world, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection (the Good News) revealed the fullness of God’s Will. See John 1:17: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” The Finished Work of Christ on the cross is the means by which salvation is secured, fulfilling the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Jesus said in John 11:25: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
The power of His resurrection abolished death for those who trust in Him; making it true that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. See Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
The phrase “who hath abolished death” speaks of Christ’s victory over sin’s ultimate consequence. See Hebrews 2:14-15: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
By conquering death through His resurrection, Jesus provides eternal life to all who trust in Him.
This is echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57: “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Blood Atonement of Jesus Christ ensures that believers are no longer subject to eternity in hell, if they believe on His name.
As one can see, immortality are freely given to those who believe the Gospel. See 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Eternal life is not based on works of righteousness but on God’s promise. See also 1 John 5:11-12: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
We leave you with a condensed form of the Gospel, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
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