The Exclusivity Of Salvation Through Jesus Christ Alone PART 6
1st Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”
Paul opens this chapter by stating, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Why then is he urging that these things be made for all people? It will require us to go back to the previous chapter at least so that we can get the proper context. (Remember, that the original biblical text DID NOT have verses and chapters. Therefore, it is paramount for us to read the passages before and after the verse we are studying to make sure we have a proper and full understanding.)
So, let us look at 1st Timothy chapter 1 first. Paul is writing this letter to his younger colleague in the Lord, Timothy. He outlines the need for those who preach a false gospel to be opposed. Just like today, there were people in those times that submitted themselves to myths and falsehoods. They subscribed to and participated in controversial speculations about the truth instead of advancing God’s work (verse 4). Those who preached a false gospel must be called out. But this is not done with a spirit of malice but rather with a spirit of love. Those who have been entrusted to preach and teach the gospel of Christ are indeed held to a much higher standard. They MUST get it right! As such, those who knowingly preach and teach a false gospel are subject to a far more severe punishment from God.
Paul, who was once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, goes on to describe God’s grace and mercy. Paul was not deserving of his calling to preach the gospel. He describes the real reason God chose him in verse 16 when he states, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” So you see, it is NEVER about our own qualifications or glorification. It is NEVER about how much money we can make in ministry or how successful we can become in the world. But rather, we are called to spread the gospel of Christ because we were once sinners headed to eternal destruction but by the finished work of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone we have been saved. So that is the command. That we preach the truth and we refute those, in love, that come against it or preach something different. That we hold on to our faith, never waiver, and be steadfast in what we believe no matter the cost.
So this is why Paul, in the opening of chapter 2, urges that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people. That we live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. And that ends us at the verse in our study, verse 5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” There is no other way that we can be saved. There is no other way to escape God’s wrath. There is no other avenue through which we can reach God. The only way is through the person of Jesus Christ.
Let this be an encouragement to us all. To seek Christ in all that we do and to become bold in our proclamation of the gospel.
Thinking The Kingdom Thoughts View All →
What I want the most is for this to not be about me. But rather the focus be placed on Jesus Christ; the author and finisher of our faith. I am just a vessel willing to be used by him and for him.
