The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Nothing can be added to the unconditional truth contained in today’s verse, and nothing can be subtracted from it either. It is what it is. It is a truth of God’s Word that explains so much. God’s amazing grace, that grace that Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes; For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. It is the grace that men and women have given up everything in their homeland, becoming missionaries to foreign lands just to tell others about it. It is the grace that John 1:17 testifies; For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. It’s that grace. A grace that is as real today as it will be throughout all eternity. It cannot be earned, purchased, transferred, or diminished, but it can be shared, given, and lived for all to see. God’s grace.
But what does this grace do, this grace that hath appeared unto all? Upon a careful reading of today’s verse, it will be noticed that it ends with a comma not a period. So, the thought continues. Let’s complete the sentence; …Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:12-14
What does grace do today?
It teaches to deny ungodliness.
It teaches to deny worldly lusts.
It teaches to live soberly.
It teaches to live righteously.
It teaches to live godly.
It reminds that we live in this present world. (the here and now of this age of grace)
It encourages to look for that blessed hope; the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
It reminds that He gave Himself for us.
That He might redeem us from all iniquity.
That He will purify unto himself a peculiar people.
It prompts all who receive it (hence the word might as used in this sentence) to be zealous of good works (thereby showing forth His grace to any and all).
No wonder that this grace was called “Amazing” by John Newton. No wonder that amazing grace is still sung about even unto today. We do not have to wonder why…because of a truth God’s grace that hath appeared unto all is just that…Amazing!
William T. Howe, Ph.D.