Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Timothy 1:9

"who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal," — 2 Timothy 1:9 (ASV)

Not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

What a blessed doctrine this is! Some people cannot endure even to hear or read of it, but it is full of comfort and joy for the Spirit-taught people of God. God's grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

How plain it is that he earnestly believed in the eternal election of believers – in their being in Christ, and in their possession of grace in Christ. Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. God's love to his people is not a thing of yesterday. He loved them before the world was made, and he will love them when the world has ceased to be. It was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.