“For the Grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12
I have often heard people say that the message of God’s grace through Christ’s Sacrifice is just way too easy. If the price has been paid for all our sin for all eternity (so the argument goes) than people will simply go and do all the evil they want. So we are tempted to add to the Gospel message and somehow make our good and righteous actions part of our salvation. Unfortunately, for those who propagate this kind of salvation, the Bible clearly teaches that our righteousness is as good as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
But when we look at Titus 2:11-12, we see that this incredible grace which offers true salvation to all people is actually the very thing that teaches us to live a godly life. We will never earn a place with God by trying to live a godly life. However, when the grace of God through Jesus Christ has freely given us an eternal place in God’s family, we now have the wisdom, power, and instruction we need to live out that godly life in this present age…because a big part in God’s purpose for saving us and restoring us is that we should be shining lights in this dark world.
Father, please instruct us through our salvation and our relationship with You how to live upright and godly lives in this dark world. And use our lives to show that salvation to the lost and hurting people around us.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><