The Door of Opportunity
Titus 2: 11-15
Today I want to begin a new series entitled: Church – A New Testament Model. As I began to pray and prepare this series, the first question I felt it necessary to answer was – how does one gain entrance into the church? Just in case there is any confusion, I am speaking of the body of Christ, those who have received the Lord in salvation. The church is not the building in which we meet, but the body of believers who gather here. So what must one do to gain entrance; where is the door of access to the church? I hope to answer that question today.
We know, according to the apostle Paul that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works we perform or traditions we keep. Eph.2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. Countless passages in Scripture reveal salvation being the door of entrance into the church. Jesus described Himself as the Door. John 10:9 – I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. We know that salvation is obtained by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Door of salvation.
If salvation is by grace, coming by and through the Door, Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, then who has access to this door? To whom is salvation made available? The passage before us deals beautifully with the fundamental doctrines of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone as the means of salvation. I want to discuss: The Door of Opportunity.
I. The Access through Grace (11) – For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. I’m certain that most of you would agree that God’s grace is nothing short of amazing. Clearly God is superior to man in every way. Isaiah 55:9- For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Ps.145:17 – The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Man could never obtain the righteousness of God. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no, not one. So, what hope does man have if he can never attain the righteousness of God? He has hope in grace! God’s grace wasn’t offered to a select few or a special group; it has been offered freely to all who will receive it. There has never been a soul so wicked, a heart so hard, or a mind so corrupt that Jesus couldn’t save. He reached into the depths of sin to save each and every one.
God’s grace isn’t based on our works of righteousness; it is available to whosoever will! You may think that God could never love you, that your life is too far gone, and there is no hope for you. Dear friend, nothing could be further from the truth. 2 Pet.3:9- The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The fact is – God stands ready to fill your life with His grace today!
II. The Ability of Grace (12) – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. I remember talking with a friend about the Lord. He understood that Jesus loved him and that He died for him, but he was afraid he couldn’t live the Christian life. He said, “I’ll get saved when I can live it.” I haven’t seen him in years, but he still can’t live it; none of us can! You may be thinking the same thing today; I just can’t live up to what God expects. It has been said – God loves you the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way! The life I live isn’t lived in my ability. I face the same temptations you do.
God’s grace provides the ability to live for Him. Gal.2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. You’ll never live a perfect life; we all make mistakes, but when you get saved, God will change your desires. You’ll find yourself wanting to please the Lord.
Grace will change your appetite – you’ll hunger and thirst after righteousness. It will change your attitude – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Grace will change your actions – Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. You will not always live like you want to, but you won’t live like you used to. You’ll have a desire to live like you ought to!
Grace allows us to live soberly – practicing self-control. It is through grace that we abstain from all appearance of evil and deny the flesh. Grace allows us to live righteously –that is to live a life that reveals to the world the indwelling Christ. It also allows us to live godly – a life that is pleasing to God. Grace provides the ability to live a Christian life.
Now, you may be thinking, what do I receive in all of this? Well, escaping eternal condemnation in hell is part of it, but not all. Notice:
III. The Anticipation in Grace (13) – Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Once you are saved, you become a new creature in Christ. You no longer stand condemned, belonging to the world, but become part of the body of Christ. Grace provides hope this world cannot give! God’s grace sent Jesus the first time to conquer sin, providing for our redemption, and that same grace will send Him the second time to call for the church. 1 Thes.4:16-17 – For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
God’s grace exceeds all boundaries of this world. It isn’t affected by time or distance. There is coming a day when Jesus will return, and the saved by grace will spend one eternal day in heaven! Grace allows us to look beyond the trials of this life to a brighter day coming. Col.3:4 –When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 1 John 3:2 – Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Grace has provided a home for the redeemed. It is the fulfillment of His grace that the saved long to see. You must accept His grace for this to become reality for you. Why would anyone turn down such amazing grace?
You might ask, how is all this possible? Notice:
IV. The Author of Grace (14) – Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. I have told you that grace is a free gift; it is free, but it wasn’t cheap! The grace offered to you today cost my dear Savior His life. He gave Himself that we might live. Truly grace came at Christ’s expense. Were it not for Calvary, grace would be of no effect.
So, what does all of this mean to you? Notice why Jesus gave Himself – that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He died upon the cross in order to cleanse you of your sin. Rom.6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The truth is, Jesus loved you and me enough to become our sacrifice.
I hope you realize that you are loved. Jesus wants to take your life of sin and despair, and exchange it for a life of joy and victory through His amazing grace. He can make right whatever is wrong in your life. He has already paid the debt your sin has caused. Why not come to Him for cleansing and have the hope of eternal life in heaven. Grace provides so much to the believer, but you will never experience its fullness apart from Jesus!
Conclusion: The single greatest moment in my life was when I received Christ as my Savior. His grace was extended as I saw myself hopelessly lost and separated from Him. I recognized my need and believed in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. I came through the door of salvation by grace through faith in the Lord.
Has the Spirit dealt with your heart today regarding salvation? Have you sensed your need and desire to become part of the body of Christ? For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Why not come to Christ by faith today, enter the Door of salvation, and receive Christ as your Savior?
