2 Timothy 2:13 13if we are faithless, that one remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
The fourth line of the hymn gives another warning about the need to remain faithful to the gospel. There are two levels of problem implied in the situation of this letter. For early believers like Timothy, the danger was not so much in not believing the truth of the gospel but acting out this faith by enduring persecution. Timothy was well grounded in the Christian faith because of the teaching of his mother and grandmother, so there was little danger of apostasy. However, any compromise in commitment can grow into greater compromise of one’s faith. The more dangerous problem of forsaking Christ could result from a change of attitude or a shift of worship priority. Everyone struggles with moments of doubt and compromise. Peter, who spent three years traveling with Jesus, denied Jesus three times when under pressure. So, although we may think we are invulnerable, we will face the danger of weak faith when we face stress, fatigue, or social pressure.
We can be faithful because Christ is the model of faith. When we are weak, he is strong. Grace is greater than sin and failure. God forgives those whose faith has faltered. The faith of that one, referring to Christ, is unstoppable and sure because of who he is as the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The new covenant is based on the power of the priceless blood of Christ that redeems and strengths those who are weak but at least are looking in the right direction. There is always hope for those who have denied Christ because of the sure promises God has made that are fill through Christ.
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