For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Twice this passage mentions the word “appear” in relation to Jesus. The first time He appeared as a man bringing salvation to a lost world, and to be an example of how we are to live in a dark world inhabited by Satan and his demons. No one spoke more clearly about the Father or about the devil, and no one had ever demonstrated faith on the level that He did. The second appearance has not yet occurred — He will come in glory to reign over those who have chosen to live by faith in Him. His first appearance makes it possible for His second appearance to be something we look forward to, rather than dread. If we belong to Him, we should long for that amazing, glorious, powerful day.
Jesus’ first appearance should trigger two responses in those of us who belong to Him. First, we should deny all ungodliness and worldly desires, and live for Him in a sensible, righteous, godly way. Our response to Jesus’ powerful life and defeat of Satan through His death and resurrection should create an immediate response in us. We should want the same power, forgiveness, purity, and peace that He had. Second, we should expectantly look for Jesus’ return. This is a sign of people who truly believe. If we never long for Jesus’ second coming, never wish that it would hurry up and come, are not inspired to keep on going when we feel like giving up because of that hope, then we should probably question the validity of our faith. Hope is one of the big three: “now these three remain, faith hope and love.”
The cross redeems us from every lawless act, and purifies us so that we can be His possession. How does that happen? Redeem means “to purchase.” His death on the cross paid the price of our sins and shortcomings, and freed us from that old life of slavery to sin. Sin is no longer our master, like it once was. Now God wants to use us for good, and to make us zealous for good. Many of us threw ourselves headlong into every kind of sin and perversion in the past — now we need to be just as radical and extreme for God.
No comments:
Post a Comment