2 Timothy 1:9

2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life.  He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from the beginning of time- to show us his grace through Jesus.

It seems like when we become Christians we end up having several questions. One thing we question is why did God save us? Often when we very first get saved we had the realization that God did indeed love us and he did send Jesus and so we invite Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. We can get on an emotional high and “feel” saved and loved. Once that newness wears off though, sometimes we don’t “feel” loved or even saved. Maybe we have messed up and fallen back into an old behavior that we shouldn’t have. That often leads to the question- “Why did God save me?”       

            We may not feel like we deserve it, but this verse explains that we don’t deserve it.  God didn’t save us because we deserved it. He saved us because it was His plan from the beginning of time. When He made man with free will He knew that man would mess up, that man would need saved.  Since He knew this He also had a plan for redemption for us.  He didn’t save us because we deserve it on our own- He did it because He chose to love us and make a way for us.

            In the King James Version it says that God called us according to His own purpose and grace in Christ Jesus and not because of our own works.  When I read this I was curious what grace meant in this verse in the Greek. What I found was fascinating to me.  It says that grace is a manner or act: especially the divine influence on the heart, and its reflection on the life. It also includes benefit, favor, gift, joy, liberality, pleasure, and thanks. 

            I have always thought of grace as God’s strength and mercy for me. I had never really thought before that part of God’s grace was His divine influence on my heart and that His influence should be what is reflected in my life. When that influence is reflected people should see joy, favor, liberality, pleasure, and a life of thanksgiving in me. So I have a part to play in God’s grace for me. God’s job is to influence our heart and our job is to reflect that influence.

            This goes right into a second question we often have as Christians. One I know I have often found myself asking, and that is- what is God’s call for my life? Right here in 2 Timothy 1:9 we see part of the call and that is to live a holy life. A life that is sacred and set apart for Him.  A life where we reflect His glory and His influence. A life of joy, thankfulness, favor, and obedience to His word.

            Why did God save you? Because He wanted to. He wanted you to be His and He wanted to show His glory and favor in your life. What is God’s call for your life? I don’t know the details of His call and plan for you- but a good place to start is by living your life in a way that you are a reflection of His influence. A reflection of Jesus. A life that shows you are blessed and highly favored. When we start living our life following this basic call the more specific call will become more and more evident. May you go about this week in the knowledge that God saved you because He wanted to save you and acknowledge the love He has for you.