Titus 2:11-15

To adorn the doctrine of God our Savior is to dress it up, to embellish it, so to speak.  When we tell people what Christ has done for them and what the gospel will do for them now, that message looks beautiful when it comes from those who can already show off its power through a holy life.  The closing verses of Titus 2 tell us all about the doctrine of God our Savior.  Here is a brief outline.

·        Salvation is by the grace of God. v11-13

o   God’s grace in the past (appeared)

o   God’s grace in the present (teaches)

o   God’s grace in the future (looking for)

·        Salvation is by the Savior. v14

Ø What is salvation?  The root idea of this term, in Old and New Testaments, is that of deliverance, preservation, safety (Strong).  It is used in an everyday sense as well as in the gospel-sense of deliverance from sin and judgment.  By illustration, the Exodus from Egypt involved deliverance (Ac. 7:25); the ark provided salvation for Noah and his family (Heb. 11:7; 1 Pt. 3:18-20); Jesus saved His disciples from a dangerous storm (Matt. 8:23-27); and the woman who touched Jesus’ robe was saved from her infirmity (Matt. 9:20-22).

Ø As believers in Christ, from what are we saved?  Biblically the believer in Christ sees salvation as a past event, a present life, and a future promise.

o   We were saved from the penalty of sin.  Zaccheus (Luke 19:9) and the jailer (Acts 16:30-31) were said to be saved; it was an accomplished fact when they believed on Christ.  So for all believers (Eph. 2:8-9).  We are no longer under condemnation (Rom. 8:1).  But as we continue to live it is apparent sin still has an influence in our lives.  Thus …

o   We are being saved from the power of sin.  1 Cor. 1:18 has this present tense: the gospel if God’s power in them that are being saved.  This makes sense out of Phil. 2:12, that we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  It does not say we work for our salvation but we are working it out as we live in this crooked and perverse generation.  This battle and pilgrimage will continue until we are with Christ when …

o   We will be saved from the presence of sin.  This is the salvation that will be revealed when Christ comes (1 Peter 1:5) and is why Paul could say, your salvation is nearer than when you first believed (Rom. 13:11).  Paul found comfort in this when he was near death, reminding Timothy that Christ would save (preserve) me unto His eternal kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).

This past-present-future perspective on our deliverance from sin (salvation) gives us comfort as well.  It gives us confidence in the work of Christ, understanding of the struggle in this life, and hope for the future.  And all of this is by grace: for by grace are you saved!