Grace IX

This is a fabulous summary of God’s call to mankind and to Christians:

Titus 2:11-15, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. 

Oh!  Amazing grace – how SWEET the sound!  The work of God – the truth that captures God’s mercy, love, gift and work to save me, move me and sweep me into glory!

Thank You – Thank You, LORD!

A few thoughts about these verses:

First: Grace is by God and from God. Grace is God’s goodness gifted to men.

Second: God’s grace has appeared to all men. God is not willing that any perish (II Peter 3:9).  God takes no please in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32).  God has loudly declared to all men about His existence and goodness (Psalm 19:1, Isaiah 6:3, Romans 1:21).  To all men, God has shown the beauty of a sunrise and a rainbow. God has blessed all men, enemies included, with kindness (rain falls on even the unjust, Matthew 5:45). God has shown all men that He is and that He is gracious.

Third: God’s grace – gift of goodness – is an offer of salvation.  God has taken it upon Himself to become a pleasing sacrifice for the gross in number and gross in degree sins of men.  Verse 14, Savior…gave Himself, makes it clear that God’s grace in salvation is found in the death of Jesus.

Fourth:  God’s grace in salvation makes those who embrace Jesus as their Savior and Lord a special people.  We are saved by grace through His gift of faith, Ephesians 2:8-9.  It is NOT by any works we did or do!  Those who are His have no ground – zero – for any boasting.

Fifth: Grace tells us to turn from sins. God has given men a conscience that sends an alarm when they lie, cheat, steal or offend.  A sensitive conscience is a gift from God.  When one’s nerves are destroyed, they can put their hand on a hot stove and feel no pain AND destroy their hand!  But, God’s grace restores sensitivity to sins, transgressions and iniquities (Psalm 32:5).

Sixth: God’s revelation of His goodness and greatness calls men to live pleasingly to such a glorious God.  His people are to live “zealous for good works.”  Grace teaches those saved to live seriously, rightly and honoring to God through all the days of this life.

Seventh: Grace points to a future – to His return – to a glory ahead!  Verse 14 teaches us to be passionate about living in His will and to His glory.

Now, a point to those who celebrate God’s “grace” that they claim gives them autonomy, license and privilege to do and be their own thing.  This verse, along with so many, proclaim that such a marvelous gift from God (Eph. 2:8) must be cherished and the Giver greatly, greatly loved and honored.  And how does one honor someone?  By sitting at their feet in order to know them in order to please them in word, thought and deed.  Such grace calls – no, demands – worship, service, sacrifice and all!

Lastly from these verses:  Shout, teach, preach, proclaim and press this truth about God’s grace on those not saved and on those saved.  It is grace, grace, God’s grace for life and living!