“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…” 2 Timothy 1:9
Though the Apostle Paul may be speaking primarily about the pastoral office that he and Timothy shared, his reference to “a holy life” applies to all who live by faith. A Christian’s daily work is indeed a holy calling and a priestly work because of God’s gift of faith. Christian holiness is not rooted in what we do, but in God’s work for us and through us in Christ. It is impossible for people to earn their way into heaven. Grace is God’s unearned love and mercy.
The description “purpose and grace … before the beginning of time” means God knew, even before creation, that He would give His Son to die for us. God’s plan of grace has been revealed to us in the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, which abolished death.
Fear of dying might have caused believers to shrink from testifying about their faith. However, the Greek term translated “life” is typically understood to mean eternal life when used in the New Testament. Through their faith in Christ, believers have inherited eternal life. We have nothing to fear, not even death. Therefore, we can proclaim with boldness our trust in Christ.
Blessings today as you face many opportunities to think and talk about Jesus … take them!