Titus 3
Ecclesiastes 2
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7
In Titus 3 we have a plain explanation of the generous grace of God.
It starts with our hopeless situation. Verse 3 describes the sinful nature and the true lostness of all people i.e. foolish, enslaved, deceived; leading to malice, envy and hate. What a hopeless situation!
‘But …’ (verse 4)! Don’t you love that word? One word from God that gives hope when you are in a dark hole, too dark and deep to get out of by yourself.
‘But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared [Jesus], he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.’ (verse 4-5)
Are you entitled to mercy and grace from God? Never! God’s word makes that clear. The only thing we are legally entitled to from God is judgement.
God’s love is not logical. Maybe ‘good’ people could attract love, but not evil people. And there are no naturally good people. Yet God sets His generous love on you in Christ. That’s grace! Then, ‘… He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour…’ (verse 5-6)
Do you understand, do you feel, the weight of this?
Spiritually dead people made alive. Evil people made holy and ‘justified by His grace’ (verse 7)! God views you as ‘not guilty’. And to crown it all we become, ‘… heirs of eternal life.’ (verse 7)
Do you believe this? Have you experienced this renewal?
If you have, then thank God and devote yourself to Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your undeserved grace and love to us in your Son, Jesus Christ. You are too magnificent and wonderful for words. Amen.