" Sola Gratia - Grace Alone ! " (Second of Five)

Titus 3:3-8  " For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers (various) lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY GHOST; 

Which HE shed on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOR; that being justified by HIS grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly , that they which have believed in GOD might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. "

     One of the great truths that was rediscovered during the Reformation was the fact that men are saved by grace alone. " Salvation is of the LORD " (Jonah 2:9b) - all of GOD and none of man. Because GOD's perfect justice was satisfied by CHRIST's finished work on the cross, GOD is now free to be gracious to Hell - deserving sinners. Grace is GOD's favor and kindness freely bestowed on those who are totally undeserving of HIS merciful benefits. Titus 3:4 describes GOD's grace as " the kindness and love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man " (emphasis added, even the man who verse three describes as " foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. " Ephesians 2:7 further defines grace as " HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS " (emphasis added), the " us " being in context those who were " dead in trespasses and sins " (Ephesians 2:1,5). We are not worthy of the least of HIS favors, yet HE willingly died for the ungodly (Romans 5:8).

     While all religions are based upon man attempting to achieve salvation through  his own works, grace excludes any kind of human works or meritorious efforts: " If by grace, then is it no more of works . . . If it be of works, then is it no more grace " (Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). Religion is man seeking to bring himself to GOD, which is an impossibility. Salvation is GOD sending HIS SON to the cross so that " HE might bring us to GOD " (1st.Peter 3:18, emphasis added). Not only is our salvation totally dependent upon the grace of GOD, but so also is living the Christian life: " By the grace of GOD I am what I am " (1st.Corinthians 15:10; see 2nd.Corinthians 9:8). We are debtors to GOD's grace ! GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

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