1 Timothy 1:15-17 // The Purpose of Salvation
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:15-17 ESV
The Apostle Paul knew Jesus came to save sinners. He knew he was in desperate need of salvation as the “foremost, or “chief” in some translations, of sinners. But here he demonstrates his understanding of God’s ultimate purpose in salvation. He says, “but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” God’s purpose in salvation is to show His goodness to the world, especially to those who will eventually be saved. That’s the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ coming. Of course with that, we all experience the billion other benefits of salvation like justification in the eyes of God, the Spirit as a seal of our inheritance, unity with other believers, pleasures forever more, and so on. But here Paul gives us God’s ultimate purpose in salvation: His own glory. If we think like this about salvation, then we live for Him and not for ourselves. It’s more than escaping hell, which is truly a great benefit to us personally— rather it’s about showing the goodness of God to others in hopes that they will see it, too. It could be strange to think that your salvation was ultimately not about you because we tend to make it about the great benefits for us. But although you may be an incredible benefactor in receiving God’s mercy, ultimately God was setting out to make Himself look great to people who may call on His name one day. Paul saw this and hoped that his young disciple Timothy would too. Do you see God’s mercy in your life this way? Do you think of salvation as God seeking to glorify himself through you? Pray we would. And pray we would all commit our lives to that end: helping people see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, our savior who displayed perfect patience in His mercy toward us. This is truly glorious!
To the glory of God alone,
Pastor Kevin