11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 2:11-14
John 3:16 reveals God’s inclusion of all people in his redemptive offering. Paul here in Titus tells us the goal has been accomplished. Grace has facilitated salvation for every soul on the planet by the power of the Cross. The unwillingness of God to allow anyone to perish is operative. Only the will of man can prevent individual salvation.
Grace is uniquely of the true God’s Christic mediation plan. No religion or deity has offered such a gift. Others require a work, a sacrifice, a ritual to perhaps attain to a paradise of sorts. By grace we are saved simply by believing in the vicarious work of Christ on the Cross. No wonder Hebrews declares, How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation. There is no other.
Now while being a gift, Grace requires responsibility. Once imparted and received it calls to a higher purpose. It is granted to move us into greater intimacy with the Divine. Come as you are and be empowered to move beyond your current condition. You will want to.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
(Turn the page.)
(Continued)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.
God’s ultimate goal is that we be conformed to the image of his Son,
Grace will not force us, but it will teach us to choose the better way.
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
In short, the chasm between ungodly and godly will be obvious. We will want to leave the one and grasp the other. We will be glad to participate though at times our flesh will resist. But we can be confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6.
The Holy Spirit will assist. The word will instruct. Individual study, and the teaching and preaching imparted by the fivefold ministry through the church will grow us into the image of Christ. One must be discipled. Paul calls it the perfecting of the saints. Ephesians 4:12.
Only God could have devised such a plan.
After teaching us concerning the present world, Grace lifts up our head to an eternity with our Lord.
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Wow!
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home. -PJF-
Purpose! Ministries
A Praying Church - A Healing Church - A Holy Spirit Church - A Preaching Church
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