Chapter 273—“He is Able”
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2
Timothy 1:12
.
The apostle [Paul] was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty
or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the
place of martyrdom he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so
soon to receive his blood; he looks up ... to the throne of the Eternal.
This man of faith beholds the ladder of Jacob’s vision, representing Christ,
who has connected earth with heaven, and finite man with the infinite God.
His faith is strengthened as he calls to mind how patriarchs and prophets have
relied upon the One who is his support and consolation, and for whom he is
giving his life. From these holy men who from century to century have borne
testimony for their faith, he hears the assurance that God is true. His fellow
apostles, who to preach the gospel of Christ, went forth to meet religious
bigotry and heathen superstition, persecution, and contempt, who counted
not their lives dear unto themselves that they might bear aloft the light of
the cross amidst the dark mazes of infidelity—these he hears witnessing to
Jesus as the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. From the rack, the stake,
the dungeon, from dens and caves of the earth, there falls upon his ear the
martyr’s shout of triumph. He hears the witness of steadfast souls, who,
though destitute, afflicted, tormented, yet bear fearless, solemn testimony for
the faith, declaring, “I know whom I have believed”....
Ransomed by the sacrifice of Christ, washed from sin in His blood, and
clothed in His righteousness, Paul has the witness in himself that his soul is
precious in the sight of His Redeemer. His life is hid with Christ in God, and
he is persuaded that He who has conquered death is able to keep that which
is committed to His trust.
I am so glad that we can come to God in faith and humility, and plead with
Him until our souls are brought into such close relationship with Jesus that
we can lay our burdens at His feet, saying, “I know whom I have believed,
387