For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the 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 wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2.11-14)
The word ‘appearing’ occurs twice in these verses. This is no accident. The Holy Spirit uses repetition sparingly and carefully. Whenever we find repetition, we need to understand what He is saying to us.
V11 – the grace of God has appeared in Christ – the source of salvation ‘for all people’ an indication of the scope of salvation.
V13 – our blessed hope is another ‘appearing’ of the same God and Saviour Jesus Christ. This salvation long promised in Christ, will be fully realised when He appears again.
Grace equips us during this waiting season – between the two appearings These appearings book-end the season of grace. Our lives fall into this season. We do not need to re-introduce the previous way of the law, nor do we seek escapism in avoiding engagement with the world. The grace of God enables us to live faithfully and fruitfully in this world, whilst avoiding these errors.
Paul’s application in v12 and 14 is striking; in each case, a ‘negative’ and then a ‘positive’ statement. His words are clear and direct, yet full of meaning.
So grace:
- Teaches us to say ‘no;’ and
- Live self-controlled and godly
For Christ has:
- Redeemed us from all wickedness; and
- Purified us for good works
Elsewhere, Paul refers to this new way of life (2 Tim 3.10) in which we walk. Grace is key to walking in this new way of life.