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,
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. This verse grounds Timothy's courage in the gospel's objective truths. God "saved us" (sōsantos, σώσαντος)—aorist participle indicating completed action. Salvation is an accomplished fact, not uncertain process. The verb includes deliverance from sin's penalty, power, and eventually presence—past, present, and future dimensions of salvation.
God also "called us with a holy calling" (kalesantos klēsei hagia, καλέσαντος κλήσει ἁγίᾳ)—effectual calling that produces salvation. This calling is "holy" because it comes from the Holy God, leads to holiness, and sets believers apart for sacred purposes. Critically, this salvation and calling come "not according to our works" (ou kata ta erga hēmōn, οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν) but "according to his own purpose and grace" (kata idian prothesin kai charin, κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν). Merit plays no role; salvation rests entirely on God's sovereign purpose and unmerited favor.
Most remarkably, this grace "was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (pro chronōn aiōniōn, πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων)—before eternal ages or time itself. God's redemptive plan precedes creation, grounded in eternity past. Election, union with Christ, and grace were eternally decreed before any human works existed. This establishes salvation's absolute security—it rests on God's unchanging eternal purpose, not fluctuating human performance.
Historical Context
Paul's emphasis on grace versus works addresses both Jewish legalism and emerging Gnostic tendencies that made salvation dependent on special knowledge or mystical achievement. The early church battled constant pressure to add human requirements to salvation—circumcision, dietary laws, philosophical insight, or moral achievement. Paul's uncompromising stance on grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone forms the heart of biblical soteriology.
The doctrine of predestination and election before the foundation of the world wasn't novel but grounded in Old Testament teaching about God's sovereign choice (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Ephesians 1:4-5). Jewish theology already affirmed God's foreknowledge and election of Israel. Paul extends this to the church, the new covenant people of God comprising both Jews and Gentiles united in Christ.
For Timothy facing opposition and potential martyrdom, knowing that salvation rested on God's eternal purpose—not his own faithful performance—provided unshakeable assurance. Even if he failed, wavered, or suffered, God's eternal decree remained unchanged. This didn't promote licentiousness but encouraged perseverance knowing that the same God who began the work would complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding salvation as God's gift according to His purpose affect your assurance and perseverance?
In what ways are you tempted to base acceptance with God on your works rather than His grace?
How should the doctrine of election before creation shape your response to suffering and opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse grounds Timothy's courage in the gospel's objective truths. God "saved us" (sōsantos, σώσαντος)—aorist participle indicating completed action. Salvation is an accomplished fact, not uncertain process. The verb includes deliverance from sin's penalty, power, and eventually presence—past, present, and future dimensions of salvation.
God also "called us with a holy calling" (kalesantos klēsei hagia, καλέσαντος κλήσει ἁγίᾳ)—effectual calling that produces salvation. This calling is "holy" because it comes from the Holy God, leads to holiness, and sets believers apart for sacred purposes. Critically, this salvation and calling come "not according to our works" (ou kata ta erga hēmōn, οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν) but "according to his own purpose and grace" (kata idian prothesin kai charin, κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν). Merit plays no role; salvation rests entirely on God's sovereign purpose and unmerited favor.
Most remarkably, this grace "was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (pro chronōn aiōniōn, πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων)—before eternal ages or time itself. God's redemptive plan precedes creation, grounded in eternity past. Election, union with Christ, and grace were eternally decreed before any human works existed. This establishes salvation's absolute security—it rests on God's unchanging eternal purpose, not fluctuating human performance.