THE GRACE OF GOD

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age" (Titus 2:11-12)

This scripture contains the greatest theme for man's consideration - God's grace!  Defined, "grace" is unmerited favor. It is not deserved by any of us, but brings to light the fact of our total dependence on God (Jeremiah 10:23), and God's great love for man (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8), as well as His mercy (Titus 3:5; Eph. 2:4-5).

Let's study the beautiful truths taught us in the above text, by considering it briefly, section by section:

                                                      "THAT BRINGS SALVATION"

Our text relates to us something that God's grace accomplishes - our salvation!  With all the needs we have, none is so great as  that of salvation from sin.  Anyone who obtains the blessings of salvation must first be brought face to face with their own sinfulness, and become painfully aware of how terrible such a condition is.  Sin is defined as committing lawlessness (1 John 3:4), which can be done by either doing what God's law forbids (James 2:9,11), or failing to do what is commanded (James 4:17).  Sin is so serious because it separates and alienates one from God (Isaiah 59:2).  This separation is spiritual death, of which all mankind are guilty (Rom. 6:23; 3:23).  By the grace of God, Jesus came that He "might taste of death for everyone." (Heb. 2:9)

Very few concern themselves with how God looks at them and, instead choose to concern themselves only with their selfish ambitions in this life.  Jesus said, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37)  Simply put, this world doesn't offer anything so valuable, for we are "not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold..." (1 Pet. 1:18) 

The scope of salvation by grace first concerns man's initial forgiveness of all past sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16), and, consequently, his fellowship with God through a faithful life (1 John 1:7-9; Rev. 2:10). And secondly, the scriptures teach of an eternal salvation, "ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5), that is, heaven.

But also, to be lost involves his present condition as well as his eternity.  At present, a sinner is without Christ, God and hope - he is dead while he lives (1 Tim. 5:6), and one whom God will not hear (Prov. 28:9; John 9:31).  Eternally, such a one will experience the wrath of a just God and will be cast into hell. (Rom. 2:5; Rev. 21:8)

                                                            "HAS APPEARED"

God shows His favor toward us with all we have and enjoy in this life (cf. Acts 14:17), but especially, and most importantly, has He revealed His grace toward mankind by the sending of His Son for our salvation:   "...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)  His purpose was clear, having been predetermined by God "before the foundation of the world" (1 Pet. 1:18-20; Eph. 3:11).  Therefore, His rejection and death on the cross was no accident, but was the manifestation of God's love for us; He died in our place, receiving the penalty for sin that was due us. (Rom. 3:2-6; 2 Cor. 5:21)  What a gift!  How thankful we should be that God's grace has appeared!

                                                               "TO ALL MEN"

God's grace is not partial to a particular race or class of people:  "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." (Acts 10:34-35)  Here Peter saw that God's plan accepted the Gentiles, as well as Jews, but all must meet His conditions in obedience to the gospel.  This fact helps us to see why the denominational doctrine of unconditional election is false (the belief that before creation God elected specific individuals to be saved and the rest totally depraved).  Such a belief reflects terribly on the nature of God, making Him a God who shows partiality to some and forever condemning others to hell without either having a choice in the matter.  There is, however, a Bible doctrine of election in which God's elect consists of all who, by the exercise of their will, obey Him.  It is, therefore, the humble, faithful servant who is numbered with the elect or predestinated of God. (Eph. 1:4-5)

                                                               "TEACHING US"

God's grace is able to accomplish its intended purpose by means of "teaching" (the imparting of knowledge to others).  Therefore, "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24, 32), has been revealed by the Holy Spirit to inspired men, so we can know His will for our lives. (1 Cor. 2:9-13; Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:3-5)

The gospel is God's plan for making us righteous (Rom. 1:17), by setting forth facts, promises and commands.  The primary facts concerning our salvation consists in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4), of which Paul was determined to preach (1 Cor. 2:2).  The promises enjoyed by the faithful relate to the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. (1 John 2:25)  But why are people prone to overlook His commands?  They, too, are a necessary part of the gospel; man must exercise his will by obeying what God commands, thus, a conditional salvation.  Of the Christians at Ephesus Paul said, "For by grace you have been saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8); grace from God, but faith by their response in obedience to the gospel.  To look at the conversion of the Ephesians will show this:  1) they heard and believed the gospel Paul preached (Eph. 1:13), 2) they repented of their sins (Acts 19:19), and 3) they were baptized into Christ (Acts 19:5).

Thus the gospel, as Paul taught, is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16); therein is what is necessary to convict one of his sins (Rom. 3:19; 2 Cor. 7:8-11) and instruct one unto salvation. (James 1:21)  According to our text, by such teaching one learns to deny "ungodliness and worldly lusts," that is, a lifestyle wholly centered with self and this world.  As Paul states it, a Christian "should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." (2 Cor. 5:15)  To live for Jesus means to live "soberly, righteously and godly," having control over one's self (desires and actions) and in conformity with what is right toward God and man.

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that these matters should be a present concern ("in the present age" vs.12; cf. 2 Cor. 6:2), and by so serving the Lord now we have hope of what will be:  "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ..." (Titus 2:13)  Is this your hope?
                                                             
                                                                                                              - Dan Richardson