 |  |
The First Epistle to Timothy.
(Concluded from page 96).
pp. 106, 107
The other reference is found in the sixth chapter, "Lay hold on aionian life"
(I Tim. 6: 12). These words are a part of the charge addressed to Timothy. A saved man
with years of faithful service behind him, called in the very context a "man of God", he it
is who is exhorted to lay hold on aionian life. This is not in line with the usual
evangelical conception of eternal life--but we are not careful for that. The context,
moreover, is entirely contrary to that which the evangelical presentation of the theme
demands; conflict, a good confession, keeping the commandment blameless, are the
setting. Timothy's constancy in confession is stimulated by the remembrance of Christ
who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. When Paul said of himself, "I
have fought a good fight", he links it with the crown of righteousness which shall be
awarded him at the manifestation of Christ (II Tim. 4: 7, 8). Instead of the crown, Paul
exhorts Timothy in connection with the same "good fight", to lay hold on aionian life.
This brings the passage into line with the many we have found in previous studies, and
presses upon us the need for a better understanding of its aspects and conditions. In
verse 19 the A.V. again reads "lay hold on eternal life", but the R.V., following the better
readings, has, "lay hold on the life which is life indeed". The parallel, however, is
striking, and the altered word is a commentary upon the subject. Aionian life, that is life
indeed; this present life is hardly comparable. Those who are rich in this world's goods
are exhorted to view their riches from the standpoint of the life that is life indeed, and to
"lay up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may
lay hold on the life which is life indeed". This laying hold is associated with "good
works", which are most rigorously excluded from the gospel of the grace of God as a
means of obtaining life. Those who were "dead in sins hath God quickened. . . . saved
by grace. . . . not of works" (Eph. 2: 1-10).
So far as salvation is concerned the only foundation that can be laid is Christ, yet here
is the scriptural exhortation to "treasure up a good foundation for the time to come with
the object that they may lay hold on life".
The Epistle to Titus.
pp. 107-109
The two references to aionian life found in Titus are both connected with hope (1: 2
and 3: 7). The first passage links it with a promise made before aionian times, the
second with the fulfillment of the promise by becoming "heirs according to the hope of
aionian life". The Apostle is most emphatic when speaking of salvation to say, "NOT by
works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us",
yet the subject of "good works" is a prominent feature of the epistle as will be seen by the
brief structure here given:--