" For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in the "present age" waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." ( Titus 2:11-14 )
The grace of God appeared...
1) Bringing salvation for all people -
No matter what people think in their minds, it does not change the truth that the grace of God brings salvation for all people. Through the Incarnation of the Son of God Jesus Christ, all humanity are now reconciled to God. This is the objective truth which of course we have to believe so that we can participate in that reality. No one is unwanted, rejected. Everyone is included, beloved and embraced by the Triune God.
2) Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions...
Why are people afraid that when there is too much emphasis on grace , people will become wayward, unholy and will do every bad thing they want to do?
The Bible is so clear... "Grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions..." (NIV)
Properly understood, Grace connects you to God in Christ. In Jesus you are not separated from God. You have a relationship with him. Aha! What kind of relationship? It is not a "long distance relationship". Jesus is not "up there" watching us "from a distance" while he gave us lists of rules to follow while He is away.
The relationship that was made possible by Jesus Christ is closer that you can ever think. It is communion with God 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It includes everything you do. There is no such thing as secular and spiritual. You are in Christ and He is in you... ( John 14:20 )
How can people ever think of doing bad things when they believe on the reality that they have a moment by moment communion with God?
Of course people in this life still sin but the grace of God surely do not encourage them to sin.
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