2 Timothy 1:9 Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace… I. We may, in the first place, INQUIRE WHEREIN THIS HEAVENLY AND HOLY CALLING IS, OR WHAT SUCH ARE REPRESENTED IN SCRIPTURE AS CALLED TO. 1. They are called, in the first place, it is said, "out of darkness into marvellous light." 2. And then they are said, again, to be "called to the obtaining of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ." But then they are called to the knowledge of Jesus as "the way" to eternal life, and to simple and humble faith in Him, and to see such glory in Him as shall lead them to find Him to be to them everything they can need, and possessed of everything they can receive and enjoy here and for ever. II. BUT THEN HOW IS THIS ACCOMPLISHED? We say, by the Spirit; it is the Spirit's work. But then He condescends to work by means, though He can work without means or by means, as He pleases. Generally speaking, the means is the Word of God, applied by His own almighty power and influence to the soul. III. BUT THEN HOW ARE WE TO TRACE THIS? The text teaches us to trace it, not to anything in the creature, or any thing that distinguishes those who partake of that heavenly calling from those who never partake of it, but to the sovereign and rich and distinguishing grace of the great Jehovah. "Not according to our works, but according to tits own purpose and grace which was given us" long before we were born or had any existence, "given us in Christ Jesus" our spiritual Head, "given us in Him before the world began." You will find this great change described by emblems, which imply altogether the incapacity of man to accomplish it, and imply that he can have nothing in him to deserve it or merit it. It is called, you know, in one place, a resurrection — what none but God can possibly accomplish. (W. Wilkinson, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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, |
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