I Know Whom I Have Believed

“…for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12
The writer does not say “I know IN whom I have believed” but rather “I know WHOM I have believed.” There is a huge difference in meaning when the word “IN” is inserted. We have all believed in someone. We have believed in people we did not even know very well. And we have been greatly disappointed in people we believed in. You have probably heard someone say, “I believed in him or her. I thought I knew them.” There are people who will say “I believe IN Jesus”, but do not really know Him. But Paul says more than just “I believe IN Him”. He says, “I KNOW Him!” “I know whom I have believed!”
Nor does he say, “I know WHAT I believed.” This would be the response from so many of us.  It is so easy for us to express our convictions to each other through our favorite doctrines rather than profess our belief in a person. But doctrines and statements of faith mean nothing unless there is some power and life behind them. Our diversity of doctrines have often divided us, when we should be united in our belief of a person, the Lord Jesus. It is not required that you agree with me about every little point of Theology to be my brother. If we both know Jesus that is enough!
May we join with our brother Paul in saying, “I know whom I have believed!” I know that He is able! I know that He is willing! I know that He is loving! I know that He is Faithful! I know what He is and what He can do! I know He has an eye that never slumbers or sleeps. I know he has an arm that is never weary. I know He has a hand that is stretched out still.  I know He has a heart that beats with love and mercy! I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED!
And “He is able to keep!” There is much comfort and peace in those words! Paul says He is “Persuaded”. There is no doubt. He does not wonder, he knows!  Our God is able to hide us in His pavilion and to keep us safe in the shelter of His wings! Able to keep what? What I have “committed” to Him! What I have placed in His hands for safe keeping. We commit money and valuables to the banks and walk away knowing that it is in safe keeping. Why is it then we have such a hard time trusting the hands of our God? If I place it in His hands I can rest assured that it is all in safe keeping!
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty. Dominion and power, Both now and forever, Amen!” Jude 24-24