THE REAL DEAL

I would assume that virtually all people who read these words profess a belief in God, and even claim to be Christians. But, I may claim to be Superman.  I might even be sincere in that conviction. Yet, If I try to fly off a skyscraper or stop a speeding train by standing in front of it, the reality will be much different. 

The results of such mistaken identity would bring my physical demise, yet pale in comparison to the horror of thinking oneself heaven bound and ending up in hell!  That thought is not meant to raise doubt and fear in a tender heart that is sometimes prone to insecurity about salvation. There are those who worry needlessly.  It is an area where the Devil, who is a liar, periodically attacks those who have cast themselves upon Jesus for salvation.

Timothy had done that. Paul speaks of his utter assurance that the young man had a sincere faith—the real deal. Yet, the fact the Apostle brings it up, and almost in the next breathe underscores, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear,” would suggest Timothy struggled here. 

Still, Satan lies to another group whom he assures that they are saved when they are not. They may have had some experience—even an emotional one—in the past, but there is no evidence of genuine faith in the present. 

A misunderstood doctrine comes into play here—the perseverance of the saints. Some mischaracterize it with a sneer and point to those who have departed their prior belief as evidence one may be born again and then unborn.  At the opposite end of the spectrum there are those who rest in a prior “decision” who demonstrate no reality now. The doctrine is that if one is truly converted, then God gives them grace not only to save them, but sustain them and secure them. They may waver, wobble, wander, wonder, but God’s grace will keep them, even if He must discipline them. In the end they do not fall away, but stay faithful.

Phygelus and Hermogenes, as well as a number of others, had departed from Christ and the church. A promising beginning apparently brought a disappointing ending (2 Tim.1:15). Yet, in contrast here is a man, Onesiphorus, that sought Paul, stuck with him, and manifested he was the real deal (v.16-18). Paul prays (with every expectation) that he and his family will persevere and experience God’s mercy at the Day of Judgment. 

We hold on to God for He holds on to us. “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day” (v.12b). 

Are you the real deal?