September 14 Daily Devotional

Monthly Theme:

In September we read Paul's letter to Titus and his very last letter, called 2 Timothy. Paul's concern is that the true gospel be preserved and proclaimed by a faithful church.

Bible Reading:

2 Timothy 1:8–12

Bible Text:

[God] saved us ... —not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace (2 Tim. 1:9).

Devotional:

Where does our salvation come from?

Paul first tells us where it does not come from: "not because of anything we have done." Salvation is not based on our credit points. The impossibility of self-salvation is especially clear if we remember the scope of it. Salvation is not only the escape from final judgment, but also the transformation of life, here and hereafter.

Salvation comes from God's own purpose and grace. The stream of salvation has its source in the heart of God. And this grace was given us in Christ "before the beginning of time" (v. 9). Our salvation is anchored in eternity, in the council of God.

This staggering thought is not supplied for intellectual games but to lead us to humility and comfort. It certainly should keep us humble—we were chosen before we chose. The choice was determined by his love, not based on our qualifications. We have nothing to brag about. Glory to God! And glory to God!

This teaching is also for our comfort: Our peace and assurance come from God, and our certainty rests in him. Self-knowledge makes us doubt our own stability. But the ultimate ground of salvation lies in the unalterable purpose of God.

From him, through him, and unto him is my salvation. To God be the glory forever!

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published in 1994. This edition is copyright by Faith Alive Christian Resources, from whom may be ordered Daylight, the predecessor of Twilight.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this edition of Twilight are from the New International Version

Be sure to read the "Preface" and the "Acknowledgments" by the author.