Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:8-10

We are to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.  But note that salvation is brought to us by the grace of God.  How does grace do that? bring us salvation?  Let us consider this over the next few days.

First, however, what is grace.  There are no multiple definitions of grace, just multiple contexts that give it different flavor.  Sometimes it is translated thanks (e.g. Lk. 6:32; 2 Cor. 9:15).  It is translated liberality (1 Cor. 16:3 in the context of an offering and also benefit or gift in that context.  In each case favor is at the center of the Greek charis.  Grace never depended on the merit of the recipient, but in common Greek is was always given to those who were kind.  It is in Scripture that grace finds its greatest context: a gift given to one’s enemy!  Thus a common definition, unmerited favor, emphasizes this.  In the end it is proper to say that we are saved from sin’s penalty, power and presence by God’s favor.

Now we ask, how does grace save us?

Ø Grace brings salvation through the PERSON of grace.

Titus 2:11 says the grace of God … has appeared to all men.  When did this happen?  Appeared is the Greek term from which we get epiphany.  It refers to something that has been openly displayed.  We think of it in terms of both the first (e.g. Titus 2:11; 3:4; note the past tense) and second (e.g. Titus 2:13) comings of Christ.  2 Tim. 1:8-10 bears this out.  Grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began; but this has not been revealed until our Savior Jesus Christ appeared.  In His appearance he abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  Grace appeared in Christ Jesus!  Consider:

o   John 1:14,16: Grace had to become flesh.  Christ, the Word who became flesh, was the fullness of grace and truth.  When we receive Christ we receive grace upon grace (i.e. abundant grace, an inexhaustible supply).

o   2 Cor. 8:9: Grace had to become poor.  Christ left the glory of heaven to bring favor (benefits, riches) into a sinful world.  Thus Phil. 2:5-7 speaks of His humiliation even to the point of death on the cross!

o   Heb. 2:9: Grace had to taste death.  It was not enough to live a righteous life.  He had to take the penalty for us.  His perfect life meant He did not have to die for His own sins; thus He could grant favor to men as the perfect Lamb of God!  This leads to another thought about how grace brings salvation.

For now let us understand: Christ is the only Savior.  There is no other (Titus 2:13; 1 John 4:14-15).  There is no other Name given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).  Grace brings salvation through Christ alone.  Jesus said it Himself: no man comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6).