I Know Whom I Have Believed

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 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, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

2 Timothy 1:8-12 (NKJV)

I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. There is not one shred of a doubt in 2 Timothy 1:12. How is it possible that Paul can make such a statement? How can we, like Paul, have the unbending spiritual assurance expressed in this verse?

Look at some of the encouragements given by Paul in this passage.

Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . but share . . . in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. Suffering for Christ is not just left to missionaries in other countries; suffering for Christ is a normal part of the Christian life. Thankfully, however, God never leaves us alone; He gives us the grace and power to go through each circumstance that comes our way.

Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. That immortality sometimes seems so far removed from our every day experiences. Yet, we are wise to focus on God's eternal kingdom and the part God has intended for us to fulfill during our time on earth. Remember, this world is not our home.

Perhaps you are familiar with the hymn, "I Know Whom I Have Believed. " Take a moment to read through the portion shown below.

I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

CHORUS:
But "I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded, that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day."

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I'll walk the vale with Him,
or "meet Him in the air."