2 Timothy 1:10 (ESV)
and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior
Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel,
The Apostle Paul is talking here about the purpose and grace
of God. That purpose and grace has been manifested or revealed through Jesus. Jesus,
by his death and resurrection, “abolished death and brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel.” That is why Paul is willing to suffer
for his faith. That is why he is even willing to die for the sake of the
gospel. He is immortal, as is every believer. It’s interesting that our gospel
presentations have primarily focused on how believing in Christ will make this
life better, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” For Paul
that “wonderful plan” included persecution, imprisonment, and death. Maybe the
reason that we struggle so much with life’s complications is that we have
forgotten that we are immortal and have believed that trusting Christ is
primarily about making this life better. I have even heard it referred to in a
derogatory manner as a gospel of “pie in the sky bye and bye,” as if a faith
focused on eternity rather than a faith that gives present benefit is somehow
less attractive and less valuable. The problem is that Jesus promised
persecution. Jesus promised trouble in this life. He never promised that faith
in him would solve every problem, give green lights and close parking spots,
and make life easy. Rather, he gave us life and immortality. That means two
things. First, it means that whatever we face, we do not face it alone or
without hope. We have the very life of Christ because his Spirit dwells within
us. Second, it means that death holds no fear and pain is only temporary. We live
forever. The gospel is a gospel of immortality, and when you meet another believer,
you meet an immortal. What an amazing thought. That truth held Paul secure through
all that he faced. It is what he reminds Timothy of because he knows that life
and ministry are hard. Jesus “abolished death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel.” That is good news. Cling to it and guard it no
matter what this life brings.
Comments
Post a Comment