Titus 2:11-13
11-“For the grace of GOD has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12-It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13-while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great GOD and Savior, JESUS CHRIST,”
JESUS’ first epiphany — His life, death, and resurrection — His first appearance, inaugurated a new era of grace, bringing the hope of salvation to all. This salvation will be fully realized when HE comes again in glory, His second coming and appearance as “our great GOD and Savior” Until then, we live between these two epiphanies as we wait for the Blessed Hope and with great expectation.
In between these two amazing manifestations of JESUS, the Bible clearly reminds us to never forget the Cross and the CHRIST who suffered and died to bring salvation to all. JESUS brought with Him GOD’s grace that enables and empowers us to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions! —It is His grace that we need till He comes to take His bride, the true church, to be with Him in glory! —Our new birth should reflect the love of GOD in JESUS CHRIST, “who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all wickedness and purify for Himself a people of His own who are eager and zealous for good deeds” (2:14). We are born again to live out our identity as people belonging to GOD — it is His grace that makes us eager for every good work, speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, and show gentleness and courtesy to everyone (3:1-2). The process of our transformation is still a work in progress, we are GOD’s workmanship! Truly the grace of GOD has appeared in CHRIST JESUS, who brought salvation to all. He has come to make us GOD’s own sons and daughters, his people — made holy, being transformed year-round, day in and day out, year after year, “while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great GOD and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.”
GRACE is experienced and found only in CHRIST and through CHRIST! JESUS IS GOD AND HE IS GRACE MADE AVAILABLE TO US FROM HERE TILL HE COMES AGAIN!! Have you given your heart to Him?
Is JESUS your Savior and Lord?
Are you living to bring Him honor, praises and glory? Remember, JESUS is coming soon! Let us be those who are prepared and ready to meet Him at His second appearance!
Blessed Beyond Being,
Pastor Wally & Sister Mattie