For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement:
If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:10-13
The apostle Paul charged Timothy to be strong in his faith and to fulfill his ministry. He shares an early creed of the church with him that gives a synopsis of the gospel in a series of “if” statements. If we die, we live is a paraphrase of Jesus words, if you lose your life for My sake, you will find it. If we endure, we reign. Jesus again said he who endures to the end will be saved. He intimated that we also will come with him and his holy angels in glory to reign together. If we deny him, he will deny us. Jesus said whoever confesses Him before men, He would confess before His Father which is in heaven, and likewise, whoever would deny Him, he would in turn deny. Now lastly, if we are faithless (and we all are), He remains faithful… This is a summary of the character of Christ and that our salvation depends on God. The disciples once asked Jesus (If our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees…how can anyone be saved?) Jesus said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. What an amazing creed!
Have i died with Him? Endured? Confessed? Found Him to be faithful? Yes.
God, on this Christmas Eve, may I sense the profound importance of Jesus, my Savior who has come into the world. Would You direct my steps and my speech today. Thank you for my wife and children, each who are serving You. May Your blessings flow to us and through us. May we live this creed.
