I know whom I have believed!

"... But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."  (2 Timothy 1:12 ESV)

Remember the context of this glorious verse, where Paul is reminding Timothy in verses 8-9: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 

Paul knew fully in whom he had put his faith, trust, and confidence. Paul knew it was by God’s grace and not his own works that had saved him. Paul knew that God had called him and every believer with a “holy calling.” This first chapter of 2 Timothy encapsulates the gospel message that Paul had been entrusted with, and Paul knew the life-giving power of God’s gospel of grace. In verse 12, he says, “For this reason…” he is not just talking about his appointment as an apostle, a preacher, and a teacher; he refers back to the plan of God’s salvation “from all of eternity.”

Even though Paul preached and taught this glorious message of God’s saving grace thousands of times, it never grew old to him. Why? Just read verse 12 one more time. “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.”

Do you ever get tired of speaking the same message of God’s saving grace? Do you ever think that you just don’t know enough to teach others? If you are not convinced down in your very soul that He is able (not you) to keep that which you have committed (your eternity) to Him until His coming back, then you need to keep reading God’s Word until Paul’s testimony becomes yours as well.

I know whom I have believed and the power of His salvation, do you? If you do, let this truth motivate your heart to love and good works for His glory and honor.

"Living in Grace is not about what I can do, but about what Jesus has already done!"