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, 10 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:”
Our natural mind is tuned to a merit-based system whereby our blessings and benefits are obtained because we have earned them, we labor for our wages, we pay for our goods, and we obtain employment and receive promotions because we are fit for them and worthy of them. Many see the “doctrine of Christ” (II John 1:9), “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) through the same human logic. But Paul exclaims, “how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33); that is, His “judgments” and “ways” are far too great and grand for us to understand them. So, we must avoid the peril of trying to bring “God” down to our vain human level just so that we can understand Him. In the mind and purpose of “God”, our Salvation and Calling were securely and eternally set to be even before He made this present world: “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:” (Ephesians 1:4); and it is so, for our Lord Jesus Christ made us “holy and without blame” when He had sacrificed Himself on the Cross and declared “It is finished” (John 19:30). Thus, it is plain for all to see, that it is “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;” (Titus 3:5); that is, His decision to Save His people and to Call them to Spiritual Life was NOT Merit based, “(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)” (Romans 9:11). Neither does He make His people behave and act with such perfection that they are worthy of their Salvation and Calling, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6) and “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). It is true that in this present life our Lord blesses us in our obedience to Him and He chastens us for our disobedience to Him. However, it is true that perfect righteousness is required to enter Eternal Heaven: “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). With respect or our Eternal Home in Heaven with our Lord, our judgment is not based upon our own good works and Righteousness; but it is entirely based upon the will and the good works and Righteousness of our Beloved Lord Jesus Christ: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (I Corinthians 1:30) and “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (II Corinthians 5:21).