“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Titus 2:11-12
We have heard that grace is the unmerited favor of God. But what exactly does that mean? A merit is “something that entitles one to reward or gratitude.” That means you’ve earned it. You cannot earn God’s grace, otherwise, it wouldn’t be grace. Grace is unmerited, which means that we’re not entitled to it.
If we can’t earn God’s grace and we’re not entitled to it, how do we get it?
God freely gives it to those who love and obey Him.
Psalm 84:11 says, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
God bestows His favor on all those who please Him. He gives grace and glory, and that means he will not withhold any good thing from those who live righteously.
But best of all, God’s grace brings salvation to all mankind. That means salvation is available to everyone, but only through God’s grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “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.”
We only have redemption through the blood of Christ “the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” ( Ephesians 1:7)
The grace of God is not only necessary for salvation, but also for spiritual maturity and growth.
The Lord gives grace. But what does His grace do?
- Grace brings salvation.
- Grace teaches you to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts
- Grace teaches to you to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
- Grace forgives sin.
Also, God’s grace is rich toward you in kindness through Christ (Ephesians 2:7), with faith and love (I Timothy 1:14), in your humility (James 4:6), and the grace of God empowers you for Christ (II Corinthians 12:9).
If you allow God’s grace to permeate every area of your life, then you will live “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” in which case you will find yourself “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 2:13-14