The Grace of God

Amos 7-9; Psalms. 104; Titus 2 

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say, ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled upright and godly lives in this present age…to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Titus 2:11, 14

We are born into sin, motivated by selfish desires and destined for eternal separation from God (death). That’s the bad news. If we don’t acknowledge and face that bad news, “salvation” is just another selfish desire and self-help program. We have been redeemed, or set free from the penalty of sin if we receive by faith the gift of grace, or unmerited favor by God through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins. However, the same grace that saved us in Christ also motivates us to say “no” to selfish passions and sin. If we don’t say, “no” through the power of God’s grace in our lives, we have probably not experienced it. We cannot simply receive God’s grace for salvation from the penalty of sin without also receiving God’s grace to resist the power of sin. Those who know God’s grace in Christ are eager to do what is good, because they now belong to Jesus Christ. 

“Lord Jesus, I am yours! Thank you for your grace which empowers me; I choose to say ‘yes’ to you today, and ‘no’ to the power of sin.”