#45 By the Grace of God Alone for His Glory - 2 Timothy 1:9

2nd Timothy 1:9 NLT – It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan long before the world began—to show His love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.

02/04/07-02/06/07

It is God alone who has saved us by His grace and mercy, it has nothing to do with who we were or what we have done. It is the gift of God, not by works so no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). He has chosen us to live a life holy and dedicated to Him. Oh, live for God alone you who claim to be His! He has shown this great love and kindness to us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He did this not because we deserved it (for all have deserved is death, as scripture says, “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23) but by God’s grace and according to His own sovereign plan and purpose (for scripture also says, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23).
May we pray, “Lord, help us to remember that all creation is about You. For through You and to You were all things made (Romans 11:36). Even our salvation was to put the glory of Your love, grace, mercy, and kindness on display in and through us*. Your work on the cross shows that You have power to triumph over sin and death by claiming for Yourself a people to be cleansed from sin, made holy and blameless forever. Oh, Lord, may we lay everything – all our selves – at Your feet, for You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. You do all for us, may we give all that we are to You alone. Draw us closer to You that we may indeed live a holy life to which You have called us (2 Thess. 1:11-12) and for which You have chosen and saved us. You chose to die for us, You do more than we deserve. Lord, may we follow You forever and serve You alone*. To You, the only God, who sits enthroned over all creation forever, be all glory through all that You have made and done. Amen.”

*See the song It’s About You and All for Your Glory.