II Timothy 1:9
“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,” II Timothy 1:9. Lord willing, today we will learn about God’s grace. The word “grace” in II Timothy 1:9 is the Greek word “charis” and in this verse means the grace which God exercises toward us, the unmerited favour which He shows in saving us from sin; also of the grace exhibited in the pardon of sins and admission to the divine kingdom, saving grace. Notice in this verse that it is God that hath saved us; it is God who called us with an holy calling; it is God who did this according to His own purpose; and it is God who did this by His own grace. We must point out that this is God’s grace, and this grace is given to us by God in Christ Jesus. It is also important to note that God’s grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began. By rightly dividing II Timothy 1:9, we must come to the conclusion that salvation is by the grace of God alone.
When we say that salvation is by grace alone we are saying that salvation is the result of God’s grace, without the works of man. The question comes up, is this teaching simply a Baptist distinctive, or is it in the bible? There are many denominations that teach that salvation comes by some form of work that goes along side with God’s grace. You will hear people say, God has done His part, now you have to do yours. Like always, we must answer these questions with Scripture in context. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 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,” Romans 11:5-6. If salvation is by God’s grace, then there is no place for the works of men. If salvation is by the works of men, then there is no place for the grace of God. We must remember that grace is God’s unmerited favour which He shows in saving us from sin. Unmerited favour means it is not only unearned, but also undeserved. There is absolutely nothing about us that moves God to save us. When we understand that God saved us according to His own purpose, we will become a people who truly love Him.
When we sing songs about God’s grace our hearts will be running over with gratitude (Rock Of Ages, Amazing Grace, etc.).
The wording of our previous Scripture may not be clear to some people, so let us look at more Scriptures. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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,” Romans 2:4-9. In these verses we read twice, very clearly, that we are saved by grace alone. If that is not plain enough, verse 8 goes on to say, “and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” And for those who say that is not enough proof, the Lord gave us verse 9, “Not of works, lest any man should boast.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that. For someone to deny that we are saved by God’s grace alone is someone who has blinded themselves to the truths of the Scripture, and they do this to their own destruction. The bible clearly states that no one can ever earn their salvation. “Divine grace is the sovereign and saving favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who have no merit in them and for which no compensation is demanded from them. Nay, more; it is the favor of God shown to those who not only have no positive deserts of their own, but who are thoroughly ill-deserving and hell-deserving. It is completely unmerited and unsought, and is altogether unattracted by anything in or from or by the objects upon which it is bestowed. Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of “grace” we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired.” A.W. Pink.
Grace clearly belongs to God. Since it belongs to God, He has the absolute right to give it to whomever He desires. Remember, no one deserves God’s grace. God is not obligated to give His grace to anyone. God does not offer His grace and then take it back. God gives us His grace through His Eternal Son Jesus Christ. Outside of God’s grace, we would never see our need for the Saviour. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day,” John 6:44. No one becomes smart enough, or strong enough, no one makes deals with God to be saved; no. It is not even our salvation. We use terms like “I got saved” when we should say, “The Lord saved me”.
Since salvation is by God’s grace, there has never been, nor will there ever be any one turned away who comes to Jesus Christ for salvation. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out,” John 6:37. What kind of people does the Lord save? Does He save righteous people? “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one,” Romans 3:10. Christ saves sinners. He saves us from our sins. How gracious is God to those He saves? “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief,” I Timothy 1:14-15. It is amazing how God’s grace causes us to see ourselves. God’s grace gives us the right perspective of ourselves. We see ourselves as the publican beating upon our chest and asking God to be merciful to us as sinners. When God by His grace shows us who we are in our lost state we are not only convicted of our sins, but we are so ashamed of them. Thank God for this conviction for it drives us to Jesus Christ desiring forgiveness for our sins. By God’s grace we want forgiveness so bad that we do not care who sees us, or what others say about us; we want Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47)!
God’s grace is truly amazing. Has the Lord saved your soul? If not, I beg you to trust Jesus Christ alone to save you. Please send questions and comments to richardsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com. Soli Deo Gloria.
