Whom I Have Believed

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My good friend Phil Newton has been preaching through 2 Timothy. This week he came to one of the best-known verses in the book: «I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12). He applied the truth to the issue of believers doubting their own salvation. I find his words very helpful:

How does it happen that some believers struggle for long periods with doubt about God’s safekeeping of them? Why do they lack assurance? Look at Paul’s words: “For I know whom I have believed.” What does he not state in this verse?”

For I know how well I have believed.
For I know how thoroughly I have believed.
For I know how deeply I have believed.
For I know how consistently I have believed.

There is nothing here about the level or measure or extent of Paul’s faith in Christ. His assurance was not about him and a particular status that he had reached by his extensive labors in the Christian faith. His assurance was all about Jesus Christ. «I know WHOM I have believed.” Your salvation is not about how great and extensive your faith is but how great, glorious, merciful, and sufficient Jesus Christ is to save you. (From the sermon “Guarded and Guarding.”)