" The Grace of GOD in Action ! "

 

Titus 2:11-13 "For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST;"

     Grace is often defined as "unmerited favor." It functions apart from any worthiness or human achievement. Salvation is entirely and always by GOD's grace through faith. According to our text, the grace of GOD accomplishes four things in one's life. The grace of GOD is one of the most wonderful themes in the Bible. It is GOD's grace that has "made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6 pictured below). Elsewhere, Scripture describes it as "exceeding abundant" (1st.Timothy 1:14 pictured below). We reflect on the four areas of grace that we should live by.

     The grace of GOD proffers salvation (v.11). To proffer means to offer for acceptance. The LORD desires that HIS proffered salvation be received by men, women, and children of all ages. HE has provided salvation through CHRIST for all people of all generations. Anyone who receives GOD's grace gift by faith can have this wonderful offer of eternal life and a relationship with GOD. The provision is as great as the need. Salvation is not giving something to GOD but receiving something from HIM. The gift of GOD, expressly stated, is "eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD" (Romans 6:23 pictured above).

     The grace of GOD prohibits ungodly, worldly living -- it "[teaches] us" that we are to "[deny] ungodliness and worldly lusts" (v.12 pictured above). Following the new birth, the grace of GOD, through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, works from within the believer, helping the child of GOD to renounce those thoughts, actions, and habits that are ungodly (not GOD-like) and worldly (of this world system, which is dominated by Satan and doomed to destruction). Believers are in the world but are not to be of the world. If "everybody's doing it," then that is probably a good reason for a Christian to refrain from doing it. We are saved by grace; we are kept by grace: we are taught by grace. How wonderful it is that GOD's grace abounds in the heart and life of HIS own !

     The grace of GOD promotes sober, righteous, godly living. Our text reminds us that GOD's grace teaches us we "should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (v.12b). In other words, grace produces important attributes of Christian character. Living "soberly" means that we give serious attention to eternal things -- the very opposite of self-indulgence and self-esteem, which worldliness promotes. Living "righteously, and godly" involves honesty, truthfulness, morality, courtesy, kindness, and genuine concern for the welfare of others. Righteous living never wrongs anyone in any way. We must never "do evil, that good may come" (Romans 3:8). Last but not least . . .

     The grace of GOD provides every believer with a glorious hope for the future. The destiny of every child of GOD is the heavenly FATHER's house. We know we are on the way home, and our prospect for the future is bright. We have a "blessed hope"; we joyfully anticipate the "glorious appearing" of our LORD and SAVIOR (v.13 pictured above). We eagerly await the redemption of our sinful, fleshly bodies. The grace of GOD in action offers salvation to all sinners, provides sanctification for all believers, and promises glorification to every true child of GOD. May we thank the LORD for HIS abundant grace and allow HIS grace to complete its perfect work in our life every moment of every day. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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