Purpose and Grace Before the Beginning of Time

2 Timothy 1:9 [Our Lord], who 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.

This is the first post on Calvary Chapel Leatherhead's new blog. As I was considering what should be the first post, this verse came to mind.

Our Lord's work in our lives is utterly amazing. Jesus has saved us and called us. This is something we must retain in our hearts and minds. As many as put their faith in Jesus are saved and called.

What are we called to? A holy life. But following those words lies the key to His salvation and calling. It's "not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace" (italics mine). Our being saved to a holy (or set apart) life is not dependent on our performance. It is not according to our works. It is does not rely on my ability. The key here is after the contrast (but).

But according to HIS own purpose and grace. The strength and enabling does not come from my works but rather His purpose and grace. The word according to means "in proportion to". In other words, His purpose and grace is in proportion to the Infinite One. That means there is no limit to His purpose and grace.

As much as we yield ourselves to His purpose for our lives, there is ample grace to carry us. In following Him, our need will never exceed His grace. For every step of our salvation and calling, God has purpose and God gives grace. There is no need to fear as His supply is more than enough. His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We are sufficiently supplied to live a holy life, not because of us, but because of Him.

So when do His purpose and grace kick in? Well, we read here that it is "given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" (italics mine). God has purpose and grace for you since before time began. He did not withhold purpose and grace until we were able to show ourselves worthy. Here we see that it was given independent of our worthiness, and it was given before needs arise.

He has tended to us perfectly. All our need is satisfied in Him before time began!