Question: What is it really to be saved?

Answer:

Paul’s final instruction to Timothy – Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ’s sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.

I want to meditate on 2 Tim 1:9 – The word of God “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”  Paul wrote this letter to Timothy from prison and he was beheaded by Nero after this letter, the last letter Paul wrote, that to Timothy his dear son in Christ.

Here Paul gives an insight into how and why we are saved, how is; by the grace and God’s great purpose, we received it as a gift when we accepted it by faith. Now why; The Lord called us to a Holy life, so grace that was sufficient for salvation is transforming too. There will be a true earnest desire to live Holy. Careless lifestyle after being saved, surely the person should examine and see if it was genuine repentance. I want to read a few verses where the New Testament emphasizes on U-turn in lifestyle.

• 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
• 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourself to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves.
• Philippians 2:12, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
• Hebrews 12:14, “Strive for peace and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
• 1 Peter 1:17, “If you invoke as Father him who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.”
• Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”

Final thought: Are you intentionally and earnestly standing for Holy Life by the strength of the Holy Spirit