Tag: Titus 3:1-7
Saved by Christ’s mercy!
Scripture reading for October 10: Titus 3
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:1-7
Sound doctrine from God’s Word clearly states that no man is saved by his ‘good works’ or can do anything to earn salvation. It is God’s goodness and kindness revealed to us through Jesus Christ that draws us to repentance and faith that Jesus can and will forgive us and cleanse us. Christ’s work on the cross for us is our only hope of redemption and washing of our guilt and sin. Upon repentance, Christ sends His Holy Spirit as a gift of Grace to indwell us. We are born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit and adopted into God’s family. God’s Grace is richly poured out on us and we are justified and made righteous in God’s sight. Through adoption, we are made heirs and joint heirs with Christ of eternal life in God’s forever family.
Paul stated that believers should be submissive to rulers and authorities and obedient. They were to be ready for every good work. These works were not done to earn us salvation, but as a response to God’s love and goodness. The Holy Spirit in regeneration changes our dispositions to be gentle, courteous, avoid quarrelling or speaking evil of others, and to live self-controlled lives that focus on doing God’s will and obeying His Word. Good works are a supernatural response to the infilling of the Holy Spirit abiding in us. Oh how we need to apply these truths in our lives today!
Do you struggle with trying to earn your salvation by living a perfect life and doing good works? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to indwell you and do a work of renewal and transformation? Are you secure in the hope of eternal life and your adoption into God’s family through new birth?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Gift of Your Holy Spirit that is renewing me day by day into Christ’s image. Help me to follow You in doing the good works that You have prepared for me. Let the Gospel of Grace through faith in Jesus Christ be clearly presented by my teaching, preaching, and daily life. Amen.