2 Timothy 1:9

Verse 9. Who hath saved us] From sin; the spirit of bondage, and all tormenting fear. This is the design of the Gospel.

And called us with a holy calling] Invited us to holiness and comfort here; and to eternal glory hereafter.

Not according to our works] We have not deserved any part of the good we have received; and can never merit one moment of the exceeding great and eternal weight of glory which is promised. See the notes on the parallel passages.

Before the world began] προ χρονων αιωνιων. Before the Mosaic dispensation took place, God purposed the salvation of the Gentiles by Christ Jesus; and the Mosaic dispensation was intended only as the introducer of the Gospel. The law was our schoolmaster unto Christ, Galatians 3:24. See the parallel places, and the notes there.