God Promised Eternal Life Before The World Began

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began.—Titus 1:2.

Hath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world began? who then could this promise be made to? Verily, to no other but Jesus the surety of the everlasting covenant: the head and representative of all his chosen members. O soul, before conversion to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without hope. Hast thou faith in Jesus? then hast thou "the faith of God's elect, and dost acknowledge the truth, which is after godliness." Thou hast also eternal life: in hope now; and the possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast in actual enjoyment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a liar, if thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised upon certain conditions? Jesus hath performed them all. He became surety to this very end. God the Father is perfectly satisfied, and eternally glorified with his work. God the Spirit bears witness to it. Hereby hope is established in the heart. O then take heed not to invert the order of the gospel, lest thy mind be perplexed, hope clouded, and Satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for the grace of hope; but ever glory in the God of hope. Frames and feelings often vary: they may delude and deceive. Gifts may be lost: graces decline. Jesus OUR HOPE cannot. "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Wherefore are eternal transactions revealed? but for God's glory and the confirmation of his people's faith and hope in God, and to excite love in him. Ever remember, by grace ye are saved, "according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus."—2 Timothy 1:1.

- excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, Volume 1, May 31