This classic passage gives us the clearest statement of the grace of God in the New Testament. What is the grace? It has been defined as
” the favor of God shown to the undeserving.” Grace may be viewed from three standpoints: What grace is in God,what grace is in Christ,and what grace is in the believer. Grace in God is God’s mercy pitying, God’s wisdom planning God’s power preparing and God’s love providing. God’s grace thus stretches from Eden to Calvary. Grace in Christ is saving grace suggested by Jesus,sanctifying grace suggested by Christ,sovereign grace implied by the Lord,and satisfying grace by the little word ” our.” Paul was able to say that he was what he was by the “Grace of God.” (1Cor.15:10) Another definition worthy of note is that God’s grace is His active favor is bestowing the greatest gift upon those who have deserved the greatest punishment. In the verses before us ,notice that verse 11 begins with the word “for.” Paul had been given Titus instructions on how he was to teach various classes of people to live,and he connects this with the massive outline of the doctrine that is contained in verses 11-14,showing us again the connection between belief and behavior,creed and conduct.
I. WHAT GRACE BROUGHT.
What did grace bring? Grace brought salvation (v:11). Notice that only the grace of God brings salvation;the law did not do it,science does not do it,psychology cannot do it,humanism will not do it and philosophy is unable to do it. None of these can save,but the grace of God evolved a method of saving men and women – look up Eph.2:8-10. Notice three things about the salvation that grace has brought:
1. Salvation is embodied in a person. The person is Jesus Christ the Lord,whose name ” Jesus ” means ” Saviour.” In verse 11 there is a reference to the incarnation – compare Matt.1:21 with Acts 4:12,also compare Luke 2:27-30 and 19:9,both of which emphasise that salvation is in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. It is a full and free salvation. If grace provides it it must be so. It means that salvation is altogether of God’s providing,and therefore it is entirely free for the taking. This is the meaning of grace refer again to Eph.2:8-10.
3. It is available to all people,everywhere. This is the significance of the words ” all men .” This salvation is universal in it’s scope. It does not mean that when Jesus came all men saw him appear;it means He came to make salvation available to everyone – thank God! – look up Romans 10:12,13.
Verse 11 shows us that grace brought salvation that is embodied in a Person,is full and free,and is available to everyone. Next we shall look at ” What Grace Taught ”