For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  (8) Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.  (16) At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.  May it not be charged against them  (17) But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.  Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18) And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!

The apostle Paul wrote his last letter to Timothy to encourage, warn but mostly to advise him in carrying the gospel to future pastors, teachers and all who have loved the Lord.  Paul was an old man, kept in a hole in the Mamertine prison on a hill near the Roman forum.  Luke was with him and likely wrote down the words of second Timothy.   Paul was well aware he was to die soon – (he was born a Roman citizen so death would be by beheading, not crucifixion).  In the Jewish faith the sacrifice was placed on the altar and just before death wine was poured on it; Paul likened his life to be being pouring out as the drink offering.

But Paul’s last words to Timothy  reflect no despair, no defeat and no uncertainty.  He viewed his death as a departure of the soul from the body.  At his death the battle was won; he persevered and fought the GOOD fight – he finished the course.  Paul guarded the truth of the gospel – the core doctrines of Christian faith.  He looks at the future with expectant hope; not realized just yet, but sure.  This commitment to Lord Jesus Christ means death will usher believers into His glorious presence.  On “that Day” there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – the faithful do not need to fear the final judgment.

Not only is the beginning of salvation in faith from God, we are guided by God our whole lives; it is not by man’s free will or virtue but by the hand of God preserving us to His kingdom.