The Manifold Working Of Grace

THE MANIFOLD WORKING OF GRACE

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

Titus 2: 11

“Grace” is commonly defined as “unmerited favor” but more specifically it can be defined as “unmerited divine assistance given man for his redemption or sanctification.” Using the more specific definition, let us observe four distinct workings of grace in Titus 2:11-14

I. WHAT GRACE BROUGHT: SALVATION.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”

Regarding salvation, let us observe two things about it.

Salvation is wholly by the grace of God:

“For by grace you have been saved though faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works. Lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9

Salvation is universally available:

“has appeared to all men.” “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

II. WHAT GRACE TAUGHT: CONSECRATION.

Consecration involves two distinct acts on our part.

Consecration begins with “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.”

Consecration grows as we “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age…” Titus 2:12

III. WHAT GRACE WROUGHT: EXPECTATION.

Paul makes this point very clear: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile: you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” I Corinthians 15: 17-19

There are two parts of this expectation:

(1.) “looking for the blessed hope” (being changed into the likeness of Christ without seeing death…referred to as “the rapture”)

(2.) “and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (the return of our Lord Jesus in power and glory…referred to as “the revelation”)

IV. WHAT GRACE SOUGHT: PURIFICATION.

How provided: “…who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14