For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly…” vss. 11-12
Titus 2:11-14
The book of Titus reflects the conviction of early believers that God’s saving grace had been showered upon all humanity in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s a truth worth holding close to our hearts, especially in these times of religious division and controversy. Too many folks like to divide humanity into two groups, the saved and the unsaved, when in reality there is no separation in Christ. All are saved! Now that doesn’t mean that all people are believers. In fact there are many who want nothing to do with any kind of religion–some of us have such folks in our families. But it should give us comfort to know that in Christ salvation has come to all. That’s why Christmas has such appeal even to irreligious people. All kinds of folks have been spending these last weeks being pumped up by the holiday spirit–people love the decorations and cookies and celebratory parties–most also get into the gift-giving rituals. For them, it’s the happiest time of the year. And a lot of them are going to show up for worship this weekend. They’ll sing the familiar songs with gusto and maybe even shed a tear or two during Silent Night. They know in their hearts that the Christmas story is for them and that God’s grace and love knows no boundaries!
Thought for the Day: If all are saved, why do some behave so poorly?
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