Record all of the verses that scare folks and this one can be close to the highest: “If we deny him, he’ll deny us” (2 Tim. 2:12).
Having been raised on a weight-reduction plan of Chick Tracts, I used to fret that I’d lack the braveness to take care of my religion within the face of persecution. As an occasional Bible smuggler, I typically questioned what I’d do to keep away from a Chinese language jail sentence.
If somebody held a gun to my head would I deny the Lord? And if I did, would he deny me? Would he kick me out of the dominion?
It’s a ridiculous query, when you concentrate on it. Nobody thinks we are able to use weapons to pressure folks into the dominion, so why do we predict weapons can pressure them out?
Life would’ve been less complicated if I’d simply learn the entire verse in context.
It’s a reliable assertion: For if we died with him, we will even dwell with him; If we endure, we will even reign with him; If we deny him, he additionally will deny us. If we’re faithless, he stays trustworthy, for he can’t deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:11–13)
This reliable saying is available in two components and each components are reliable.
Destined to reign
The primary a part of the reliable saying begins like this: “If we died with him.” In different phrases, if we’re believers.
The Christian life begins at loss of life. That is what makes the gospel distinctive. Each artifical faith preaches self-denial and dying to self, however the gospel merely declares, “You died.”
Greater than that, we died, in order that Christ would possibly dwell by means of us. It’s an if-then assertion. If A, then B. “I not dwell, however Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).
“However wait,” says Paul. “There’s extra. This reliable saying comes with bonus options. We don’t merely get to dwell, we additionally endure and reign.”
This new life we have now in Christ is a brand new variety of life characterised by supernatural endurance and reigning in all issues.
If Paul had stated, “Work exhausting and endure and possibly you’ll get to reign,” that might be nothing particular or reliable.
Work exhausting is how the world works. However it’s not how the dominion works.
Verse 12 follows proper after verse 11. Paul is describing the life we have now in union with the One who already overcame, already endured, and who now reigns.
“This life we have now in Christ is a permanent and reigning life,” says Paul. “It’s like nothing on earth.”
Do you see? Within the first a part of the reliable saying, Paul is giving us a three-part punchline.
“You recognize you died with Christ, proper?” Sure, Paul, I do know.
“Properly do you additionally know that you’ll dwell with Christ?” Positive, Paul, in the future in heaven.
“No, not simply in heaven, however right here and now. You’ll endure right here. You’ll reign in life right here. This can be a reliable saying that deserves your full acceptance.” Oh, I didn’t know that Paul. That’s actually excellent news!
Many Christians are wanting ahead to a future life with Christ however they don’t seem to be ruling and reigning with him right here and now. They don’t know they’ll. They’ve been informed life is one huge take a look at and possibly, if they’re cautious, they’ll get a crown on the finish. However the plentiful life Christ promised is skilled by those that know and belief him now.
What if I deny God?
This brings us to the second a part of the passage: “If we deny him, he will even deny us.”
An insecure believer worries, What if I deny Jesus in a second of weak point? However Paul is just not speaking about Christians however those that reject Christ.
There’s no grace for the faithless as a result of the faithless won’t obtain it. In case you don’t consider God is nice to you, you should have problem experiencing his goodness.
Do you see? There are two sorts of folks; those that confess Christ and those that deny him. When you’ve got denied him, chances are you’ll but confess him, however if in case you have confessed him, you can not deny him – no less than to not the purpose the place he would deny you. How do we all know? Due to the following verse:
If we’re faithless, he stays trustworthy, for he can’t deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
This verse has been used to sow concern into the hearts of the saints. “If you’re not fixed in your religion each single day, if you happen to disown Jesus only one time, God will punish you!”
It’s as if the previous verses weren’t there. It’s as in case your unfaithfulness (or sin) was higher than his faithfulness (or grace). Hear that slap? That’s the Apostle Paul doing a face-palm.
To recap, Paul says if we die with Christ, we are going to dwell, endure, and reign with him. Every follows the opposite and this can be a reliable saying.
Will Jesus deny me?
Why does Paul begin speaking about disowning and denying within the second a part of the passage? He does it to emphasise that Christ is reliable. Right here’s the punchline: since Christ can’t disown himself, Christ can’t disown you! Not ever.
You might be one with the Lord. His future is your future and his future is superb!
Preserve reminding them of this stuff… (2 Timothy 2:14)
Useless faith says it’s important to carry out and endure to be saved, however the gospel of grace says we stand on Christ alone. He’s our rock, and our certain basis. We stand on his guarantees, not ours.
Yet one more time: The unbeliever falls on account of his faithlessness, however we stand on account of Christ’s faithfulness.
Even if in case you have a foul day, or a second of faithlessness, he stays totally trustworthy, for he can’t disown himself. This can be a reliable saying.
We who’ve acknowledged Christ earlier than others can’t unacknowledge him. We who’ve died with Christ can’t un-die. We who’ve been born once more can’t be unborn.
In case you have been to disclaim him, as Peter did thrice, Jesus received’t disown you, for he can’t disown himself.
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Extra articles about your everlasting safety.
“Paul, what about…?” Questioning a couple of explicit scripture? Take a look at the Grace Commentary.
And if you’re questioning concerning the scary issues Jesus says within the parable of the Depraved Tenants, try my verse-by-verse research word which has simply been launched on Patreon.
