Part Two: "Examining the life under Grace" (Titus 2:11-15)

Let's continue our examination by looking at the phrase "For the grace of God has appeared" (v. 11). What an awesome statement that is! Paul teaches us that the saving grace of God that turns undeserving sinners into redeemed and born again saints is not hidden! God's grace gives, His mercy withholds! In other words, God's grace gives what is not deserved, while His mercy withholds what is deserved. Are you excited yet? God's amazing grace gives salvation, which is not deserved! His mercy withholds condemnation, which is deserved! I wonder how many of us really want God to give us what we deserve? God's grace is as plain as can be to all who desire to receive it. The next part of verse one reads "bringing salvation to all men." God's offer of salvation is universal in its reach and availability. His grace appeared through His Son, Christ Jesus! Any person wanting to be saved, and who comes seeking shelter in the redemption Jesus gives, will not be excluded! Let me say that while the OFFER of salvation is universal, these words also emphasize that it's an offer that is quite exclusive in terms of its effectiveness. In other words, Paul is not teaching universal salvation! Jesus' sacrifice covers only those who believe! Also, Peter tells us "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). This is the exclusivism of salvation by faith in Christ only! Paul reminds us "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Paul is encouraging the Christ follower to live while declaring the grace of God has indeed appeared, and to plead with people to believe in the Christ it professes for salvation! We must realize not all, of course, will be saved by the grace of God. But some who hear it do believe it and take shelter in Jesus. It's to the Christ follower that Paul continues to teach about the way we should live in the light of God's amazing grace! Paul goes from the term "all men" (v. 11), to the term "us" (v. 12-13) and continues to teach us that the appearance of God's grace instructs us to live changed lives! We'll continue this lesson in part three. Be encouraged!