Testimony!

1Timothy 1:

15  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

16  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Paul is always straightforward in his presentation. He never stepped over the line in terms of the pious blether that has throughout the centuries, to this day, manifested in professing Christianity. Even in those who call themselves “reformed” we see this tendency. That which draws focus away from the Savior toward the saved, from the Creator to the creation, from the Healer/Deliverer to those healed and delivered, is not of faith. “Our story” is not the Gospel.  It is truly and always about Him and His glory, made known in creation through His election of the saints.      (Romans 9:6-22)                                                                                                                     The true wonder of God’s choosing men from every tribe, tongue and nation, in Christ, from before the foundation of the world was laid, is not that only a remnant is saved, but that any are saved at all.

1John 5:

9  If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son.

10  Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.

11  And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

13  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

John 17:

1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,

2  since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

3  And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

4  I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

5  And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.