Xanthe Hancox
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, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14
In his short letter to Titus, a pastor on the island of Crete, the apostle Paul emphasizes how we are to live between Christ's first and second comings. To help us stay on course in our Christian living, the apostle also reminds us of a great gift we have been given through Christ's coming – namely, the gift of hope.
Today’s verse contains an amazing declaration of grace. It means that we don’t have to do anything to earn our salvation. Jesus Christ has already earned salvation for us, and he has offered it to us as a free gift of grace.
But that isn’t the only thing God’s grace provides for us. God’s grace also forms us into people of holiness and purity.
It’s not that we need to become holy and pure by our own efforts in order to earn salvation. Rather, the salvation that Jesus freely gives to us also teaches us and forms us into people who live holy lives out of gratitude. Salvation comes first, and holy living is a result.
The good news for people everywhere is that Jesus gives salvation to all who believe in him. But the good news gets even better than that. In addition to giving us salvation, Jesus gives us new life right now.
The gospel is not just about living with God after we die; it’s also about living in holiness and purity with God right now. We can receive the grace of holy living as we follow Jesus each day.
Prayer: Holy God, make us more and more like Jesus each day. Help us to live lives that are self-controlled and upright, showing our gratitude to you for your amazing grace. Amen