Teaching the Doctrines of Grace

2Ti 1:9  "Who hath 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,"     The apostle Paul taught the doctrines of grace.  In our text notice that God's purpose and grace are not separated.  His grace prompted His purpose.  Our text says that He saved us according to his own purpose and grace.  He purposed to save us not by works but by His grace.  It was all given to us before the world began.

    His writings are full of the doctrines of grace.  In 2 Thess. 2:13 we see the doctrine of gracious election "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:"   Rom. 7:18 reminds us of the sinners total ruin "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:..."   He made absolute atonement for His people.  See Lev. 16:21 "And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:"   Aaron did not here make provisional atonement for everyone in the world.  He made absolute atonement for the people of Israel whom he represented.  When Jesus hanged on that tree.  He made absolute atonement for all those whom He represented.  He loved us with compelling love and effectual calling 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13 "1Th 1:5  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.  1Th 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."  He gave us everlasting life.  See 1 Thess. 5:23, 24 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 

    Grace did it all.  His saving work includes election out of ruin, absolute atonement, compelling love, and everlasting life.  Our text spoke of our calling which is an effectual calling.  In Rom. 8:29 30 Paul lists the steps as foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.