Jul 11
16
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 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 2 Timothy 1:9,10,11
The Church is said to be saved, and called, with an
holy calling. Not any holiness in the Church, or from
foreseeing holiness in the Church; for it is immediately
added, not according to our works. It could not be
according to our works, for the saving is said to have
been before the world began. Neither could it be from
any works after, for when the Church is quickened, in
every individual member of CHRIST’S mystical body; the
sinner is said to be quickened, that was before dead in
trespasses and sins. Ephesians 2:1. Neither could it be
from the prospect of anything to be wrought of holiness
in us, after grace is received; for this scripture saith, that
it was GOD’S purpose, and grace given us in CHRIST JESUS,
and that before the world began. Hence, every testimony
bears a beautiful correspondence to all the other parts of
scripture, that grace, and salvation, are all of GOD, not of
man. We are saved by grace through faith; and that not of
ourselves, it is the gift of GOD, not of works, lest any man
should boast. Ephesians 2:8, 9. Robert Hawker poor man’s commentary.