Tag: justified by grace
Saved by Christ’s mercy!
Scripture reading for October 12th: Titus 3
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1-2) Humility is a key ingredient of a life that pleases God. When we humbly recognize who God is and how He has placed all in authority as it pleased Him, we can joyfully submit and obey. When we recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we humbly serve others and seek peace and the uplifting of all men.
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
God’s mercy and kindness drew each one of us to salvation. (Romans 2:4) All of us lived in deception and were controlled by our passions, but God saved us simply because of grace! God, the generous Giver, poured out His love on us and washed us clean. Not only that, but He adopted us into His family and gave us an inheritance: eternal life in His presence! What amazing grace!
Heirs of Hope!
Scripture reading for December 10th: Titus 1-3
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of truth that leads to godliness–a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at His appointed season He brought His word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,” (Titus 1:1-3)
Paul wanted to encourage Titus that true faith based on the truth of Jesus Christ always leads to godliness. True faith rests on the hope of eternal life. This “hope” is not some distant and ephemeral dream or an imagination of man’s creation, but a solid promise of God about our future. God doesn’t lie, He is the Truth! He originally promised eternal life to Adam and Eve in the Garden. They could eat of any fruit in the Garden of Eden (delights!) except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Satan lied to them and they believed a lie and death kept them from eternal delight and life!
Because of sin, God removed Adam and Eve from the Garden so that they would not eat of the tree of Life. (Genesis 3:22-24) He did give them a promise of a deliverer who would come from their offspring and who would crush the head of the serpent. This “offspring” was none other than Jesus Christ, who defeated Satan and death by offering Himself on our behalf! This message was given to the followers of Jesus to bring faith leading to godliness because of the hope of eternal life. This hope causes us to purify ourselves to be ready for Christ’s return! (Titus 2:11-15)
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14) As heirs of the hope of eternal life, we live like it! Test your walk, would others know that you are expecting Jesus to come for you today?