048. 2TI 1:12. PAUL’S HAPPY EXPERIENCE

2Ti_1:12. Paul’s Happy Experience

"I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."’972Ti_1:12.

The religion of Jesus does not produce a spirit of fear, but of love, and all power, and of a sound mind. It may expose a man to reproach, to persecution, and even to death; but secures support in trouble, the presence and smile of God in death, and an entrance through the gate into the new and blessed Jerusalem. In religion, if a man lose his life, he shall find it; and what he sacrifices for Christ, he shall receive back again, with ample recompense, at the resurrection of the just. With martyrdom before him, the apostle could remain composed; nay, he could even rejoice; "For he knew in whom he had believed," &c.

Notice, I. The Apostle’s Happy Retrospect. II. His Joyous Prospect.

I. The Apostle’s Happy Retrospect.

"I know whom I have believed," &c.

1. He had believed in Christ.

The circumstances connected with his conversion are fully detailed; how he was arrested on his way to Damascus’97his blindness, visit of Ananias, baptism, &c.; his confession of his own life: "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless 1 live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life that I live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal_2:20.

2. He had committed his soul to Christ He had committed his soul to Christ, that he might save it, Keep it, sanctify it. He had consecrated all his powers to promote his honor and glory in the world. He had devoted his all to Christ, and that forever. "Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss," &c. "God forbid that I should glory," &c.

3. He was experimentally satisfied with the object of his faith and trust.

"I know whom I have believed," &c.

He did not merely suspect or guess, but he was confident; there was no need for hesitation, he was conscious that Christ was his Saviour; he knew that he was relying upon him, and that his soul was in his divine keeping. It implies, also, satisfaction with the object of his faith. He not only knew, but was satisfied and happy; and made no scruple of making it all his glory and all his boast. Observe,

II. His Joyous Prospect.

"And I am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him," &c.

1. His prospect related to his preservation.

That he should be kept; that his solemn deposit would be perfectly secure. And, if our souls are in Christ’s hands, who shall harm them? Who can pluck them from thence? They shall be kept from all evil, and raised to eternal life.

2. His prospect rested on Christ’s ability.

"That he is able to keep." Yes, all power is his, both in heaven and on earth. "Able to save to the uttermost." His arm never wearies, for it is girt with omnipotence.

3. His prospect extended to the judgment-day.

"Against that day." Day of solemn examination; day of destiny and doom; day of signal honor and reward to the saints.

"Then will he own my worthless name

Before his Father’s face;

And in the New Jerusalem

Appoint my soul a place."

Application

1. True religion is founded on knowledge. The Christian knows himself, and he knows Jesus Christ. The knowledge of his own misery has led him to value and accept the fulness of Christ. 2. True religion must be matter of personal experience. We must have the light of it in our minds, and the feeling sense of it in our hearts. It must be a matter of happy consciousness. 3. True religion ensures safety. Yes; the saints shall be kept by the power of God to eternal salvation. 4. True religion is full of hope. It gives a persuasion of public acceptance and distinction at the last day.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS