Before Time Began

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”

2 Timothy 1:9 · NKJV

Here is a timeline that ends every argument about earning. Grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. Before you did anything right or wrong. Before you existed at all. God’s purpose and grace toward you predate your entire history.

That is why Paul can say we were saved not according to our works. Of course not. The gift was settled before there were any works to weigh. Your salvation is older than your failures, older than your successes, older than time itself.

You cannot threaten something that was never based on you. The grace that saved you flows from God’s own purpose, and His purposes do not flinch when you have a hard week. You were loved before the clock started. You are loved still.

Grace was given to you before time began. It was never a response to your performance.

Go deeper: You Were Never Hired →