What does 1 Timothy 1:14 mean?
Paul's testimony, given in prior verses, included gross sins against God. Even though he was sincere, Paul at one time was sincerely wrong and opposed to God (1 Timothy 1:12–13). The cure for this was the mercy of God. Salvation is by God's grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). All three of these elements are mentioned here: God's grace, the Lord Jesus, and Paul's faith. In fact, Paul refers to this grace "overflowing" for him. For all of the sins Paul had committed, the grace given him by God was more than enough to bring salvation.Paul also mentioned "faith and love" in Christ as vital to his salvation. This pairing is mentioned again in 1 Timothy 2:15, as well as 2 Timothy 1:13. Paul also noted "faith and love" together in 1 Thessalonians 3:6 and 5:8. Faith and love come from Jesus; something we are to live out as His followers (1 Thessalonians 5:8). The word order "Christ Jesus" instead of "Jesus Christ" is a particular emphasis in Paul's writings. This emphasizes the title "Christ," meaning Messiah, or "Anointed One."