Titus 3
God’s Word is always valuable, but some
passages communicate God’s will so clearly they should be looked at in detail
and committed to memory. Titus 3:3-8 is
such a passage. Here it is:
For we
ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various
passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others
and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of
God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us
in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of
regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on
us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by
his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying
is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those
who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good
works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (You might
want to read that again!)
Notice the way that it describes us before
God rescued us: foolish, disobedient,
led astray, slaves, living in malevolence, jealousy, and hatred. Not a happy list! But what happened? For the text says that we were once these
things, indicating that we are not anymore.
God happened. His goodness and loving kindness (literally,
his philanthropy) appeared. Why? Was it because of something we did? No, indeed!
Paul says it was not because of works of righteousness done by us – as if
we had any from the previous description!
It was because of His mercy. Period. That is why Jesus came, died, and rose. That is why God gave His Holy Spirit to
create faith in us and wash our sins away in Baptism – a “washing of
regeneration and renewal” if ever there was one! God justified us (made us right with Himself,
taking our sins away) by His grace – the attitude that He has that disposes Him
to act toward us from His love, even though we deserve otherwise.
Insist on this teaching of God’s mercy,
love and grace. Accept nothing else from
your pastors, Bible teachers, etc. This
is what is profitable for all people, because it is only in this Gospel that we
do good works that are acceptable in God’s eyes – not to earn salvation, but
because we are saved.
O God, Thank You for Your grace. Transform my life with it! Amen.
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