The Grace of God

Titus 2:11-15 (ESV) says:

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passion, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

What are the effects of God’s grace that has appeared? God’s grace results in significant change. In fact it’s a radical change. It is God’s grace that regenerates those whom He has called to be His children. Regneration by the grace of God involves several effects in the life of a believer:

REDEEMING

· through the work of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior

· purification because He paid the price of our sins at Calvary

· John 3:16

RECLAIMING

· to a right relationship

· our faith is “credited to us as righteousness”

· no longer slaves to sin

· no longer children of darkness but children of light (John 3:19-21)

· possessed by Him

RESTRAINING

· training us to:

o renounce ungodliness and worldly passion (notice that we are not fully trained!)

o live self-controlled, upright and godly lives

REJUVENATING

· energized to do good works -- zealous

REJOICING

· living with a blessed hope, with great anticipation and rejoicing at the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ

Regeneration by the grace of God permeates all that a believer is. The result is total change in heart, soul and mind. And it’s a change that takes a lifetime as we mature and “run the race that is set before us.” So I’d ask you this day to consider the effects of God’s grace in your life.