Justified by His Grace

“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

          Paul writes to Titus this instructional letter so that he will know what needs to be “put in order” in Crete, where Paul had left him. Chapter 3 begins with the great Apostle telling Titus that we were saved to do good for the kingdom of God. He points out that those who are now saved were once slaves to sin, hating and envying each other. It is no different today. Those who have received the forgiveness God freely gives were once disobedient to all that the Lord stands for. It is shown here that there is nothing we could have ever done in and of ourselves to become saved, but rather, it was solely by the mercy of God. And how did this salvation occur? By being washed in the blood of Christ which acted as a bleaching agent, removing the darkest stains from our souls. If we have been washed under this blessed fount, we have been reborn and renewed by the Spirit of God. Our lives shall never be the same. The price paid for the forgiveness we now enjoy is too great to ignore. There is no way that we should pass it off as just another event in our lives. It should be a landmark day in our existence; the day our soul was set free so that our spirit could soar to the heavens. It is the day our lives should have changed for the better. We are never to return to our past practices, but rather reach for the higher ground the Lord provides for us.

          By the grace or unmerited favor of God we are seen by Him as if we had never, ever sinned in our lives. Are we to go back into the pen with the other pigs as if we were never cleaned? We have been made righteous in God’s sight. This is no small thing. God wishes to instruct us and guide us. The main object of our existence is now to become more like Him each day. We have been awakened from our sin induced slumber. It is now necessary for us to run the race set before us. We must not sprint ahead, but rather pace ourselves so as not to stumble. God provides the encouragement through His word. He provides the strength and guidance through His Holy Spirit. Eternal life weighs in the balance. We are not to take our salvation lightly. Something is required of us. Christ didn’t die for us to receive forgiveness and then go about our merry way as if no change had occurred in us. We are to strive to live worthy of the price paid for the pardon we’ve received. Salvation is a wonderful blessing and gift from God. Rejoice and live life to the fullest for you are loved unconditionally and nothing you do will ever change that. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries