December 23, 2019
For full passage click: Titus 2:11-14 … “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
There are some who don’t like the idea of universal salvation. They prefer a theological system that distinguishes between the lost and the saved, and that promises a fiery end for those who are unbelievers. Without such warnings, they say, there would be no incentives for people to repent and turn from their sinful ways. The writer to Titus presents a slightly different perspective. Here it is clearly stated that the grace of God which comes through Christ Jesus, brings salvation to all–no exceptions are mentioned. But that doesn’t mean a lack of behavioral expectations! There’s power in this Christly-grace, a power that leads people to renounce the impiety and passions of the present age, and that trains them to live godly and upright lives. Repentance and change come, not because of threats or bullying, but through immersion in the unconditional love of God. What a blessing this knowledge is at Christmas! In Christ, all people are made whole by grace, and in Christ we learn how to live in this conflicted and complex world. Bathed in the love of Christ made manifest in the Child of Bethlehem, we are moved to walk and love in his way. Do all people live this way? Obviously not! But that’s no reason to turn our backs on the power of grace. Someday, Christ’s light will shine in all!
Thought for the Day: Where have I seen the power of grace at work?
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