In his first letter to Timothy, just after thanking Jesus for his love and grace; providing a brief overview of his former sins against Christ and His church; and declaring himself to be the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:12-15), Paul makes an incredible statement:
- 1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
In this one verse, God uses Paul’s conversion experience as a model of The Beautiful Pattern of salvation in Christ for all who have and will believe.
Salvation is a divine demonstration of God’s mercy.
- 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (see also Romans 9:15-16),
Although many will never turn from their sin, in His love and desire to see the salvation of the lost, God demonstrates tremendous patience with those who will.
- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (see also Psalm 86:15 and Romans 8:29).
Just as He did when Christ spoke to Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9), in a sovereign display of grace, God uses His Word to give the gift of faith that leads to salvation.
- Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Those drawn by the Spirit of God through His Word, who by an act of their will choose to acknowledge the truth about Christ, surrender themselves to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
- Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
- Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the beautiful pattern of salvation which you have displayed in the lives of countless people. I pray that Your Spirit and Your Word work in the life of anyone reading this devotion those does not know Christ as their personal Savior. I also pray that Christians who read this will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for You and how You work in the salvation of Your children. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
