2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us. Verses 8-11 must be considered as one unit. The “power of God” alone could save men from their sinful habits. As long as men submit their wills to God their salvation is secure (see on Matt. 1:21).

Called. God desires all men to be saved (see on 1 Tim. 2:4). However, there are many who refuse God’s offer of salvation (see on Matt. 23:37).

With a holy calling. Or, “to a holy calling,” that is, to a life recognized for its irreproachableness. Compare on Rom. 1:7.

Not according to our works. That is, not on the basis of “our works.” Salvation by faith is one of the fundamental facts of the gospel Paul specially emphasized, because of the deceptive confidence of the Jews in the saving power of “the works of the law” (see on Gal. 2:16; Rom. 3:19-24; Rom. 10:1-4; Eph. 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). Man has nothing to offer God as the basis of his salvation; he is helpless without the freely offered mercy of God.

His own purpose. Because of the very nature of love (see 1 John 4:9, 10) God took the initiative by purposing the salvation of sinners through the gift of His Son, “Christ Jesus.” For a more detailed discussion of God’s purposes see on Rom. 8:28-30; Eph. 1:3-11.

Grace. See on Rom. 1:7; 3:24; 1 Cor. 1:3. God’s love, ever flowing to undeserving sinners, invites every man to accept the redemption provided in Christ (see on Rom. 3:23, 24; Eph. 2:4-10).

Before the world began. Gr. pro chronon aionion, “before times eternal,” that is, before the long ages of this earth’s history. In His foreknowledge God was prepared to meet the tragedy and crisis of sin before it entered our world (see Rom. 16:25, 26; see on Matt. 25:34; 1 Cor. 2:7). Because of God’s omniscience, past, present, and future are alike known to Him; no earthly event can surprise Him. Knowing that sin would be a personal attack by created beings against His authority, and thus against His character, God was always prepared to demonstrate His love and fairness, not only to a sinless universe, but also before those who had despised divine love. See on John 1:14; 3:16; Rom. 5:5-10.