KING ETERNAL - PART 3
TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2023
The influence of the versified sequence of Pauline panegyric is quite overwhelming. By this I mean that his epistolary style of reverence and deference to God is fitted to carry notable conviction to our conscience, and halt any instantaneous effect of sustaining the notion that we deserved or merited our salvation by any human right or effort. Indeed, it was only by God's grace. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. More below!
Reference: 1 Timothy 1:17 New International Version (NIV) "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Paul refused to boast about his salvation and its entire process because it was by GRACE alone. The NLT of Roman 5:2 reads, "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." Notice the phrase, "this place of undeserved privilege." In other translations such as NIV and ESV, it was expressed as "into this grace in which we now stand." Got it?
For this reason, Paul acknowledged that it was by God's grace and mighty power, that he was given the undeserved privilege of serving Him by spreading the Good News.
He also counted himself as the least deserving of all God's people, but because of His grace, God gave him the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ (see Ephesians 3:7-8 NLT). Paul often recognized the grace of God upon his life - with ardent encomium - throughout his ministry days. And in the context of our referenced Scripture, here is his full testimony concerning the grace of God:
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:12-17 NIV).
Although the capacity of this article will not permit me to expound the next ascribed distinguishing quality noted by Paul in his commendation - which is God's attribute of being "Immortal", I still want you to find inspiration within the consistency of all descriptions and narratives concerning His immortality, which are embedded in the embodied cognitions sourced from the eternal truths of God's Word. Therefore stay tuned for part 4. Shalom!
Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:22; Titus 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:53-54; Ephesians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:1.
Guided Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, your Word is eternal, and the awareness of its understanding is a glad experience. Thank you for saving me by your grace. Now to you, the Almighty King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only true God, be honour and glory for ever and ever, in Jesus' Name, Amen!
