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:”
In II Timothy 1:9-10, Paul summarily lists the essential elements of the “good doctrine”. Ministers are charged to “put the brethren in remembrance of these things”; that is, “the words of faith” which is “good doctrine”. First, he makes it clear that Jesus Christ our Savior “hath saved us”. This is our Salvation to Eternal Heaven where we will forever be with our beloved Lord. It is vividly clear “hath saved us” is in the past tense, meaning that it is already and forever accomplished. For us to obtain this Salvation, it was necessary for the penal price for sin to be paid, and our righteousness is insufficient for us to pay this price, so God the Father sent His only begotten and beloved Son to pay the price in full for us. And He did, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14); which required the shedding of His Sacrificial “blood” to justify “them that are sanctified” (Romans 5:9). And our Lord declared the absolute surety of His Work of Salvation when He said, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6:39). Furthermore, just before He gave His Precious Life on the Cross, He proclaimed “It is finished” (John 19:30); meaning that He had “finished” everything necessary to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Now, let us powerfully sing, “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me …” (John Newton)!