Titus 3:3-7
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.“
Titus 3:3-7 NIV
Today's verses remind us that when we came to Christ, God graciously and generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus is our Savior not only because He saved us from our sins, but also because He poured out the Spirit upon us to empower us to overcome our present struggles with sin. No wonder we can be confident in grace and righteousness and eternal life.
Paul continues to remind Titus that they were both once equally foolish, enslaved by their own various passions and pleasures, and engaging in all the detestable activities that are embroiled within the world system. Then comes the crescendo to which Paul has been moving, for he reminds Titus that it was only by the grace, kindness, and mercy of God that Christ was sent to save them.
Not because of their own good works or righteousness which are considered by God to be filthy rags, but according to His mercy through the washing of regeneration, and being made new, clean and whole by the cleansing Word of the Holy Spirit which has been poured out, by God's grace, to everyone that believes in Christ. Paul reaches the climax of this encouraging epistle. So that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Has this really sunk into our heads? It is because of God's grace that He has declared us righteous and has given us absolute confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Knowing the truth about Christ Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins is a tremendous blessing because among many things, this knowledge widens our thinking, the depths of our appreciation and worship it also changes the way we plan, develop and grow. We no longer just think about our time here on this earth, but we have the privilege to be able to factor in eternity.
When we make plans, we also keep eternity in mind, when we say goodbye to loved ones, we keep eternity in mind, when we make personal sacrifices, we keep eternity in mind and when we experience triumphs, we keep eternity in mind.
We have a lasting assurance and a certainty that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to walking with God. Let us take time to simply reflect on what this means for you and what it means to us.
When we praise God, we are not just praising Him for what He has done on the earth that we can see, but we are also praising God for all of the things that He has done in eternity that we are yet to see. Let’s continue to praise our Almighty God for placing eternity into the hearts of His people, we now have hope of eternal life, we have dual citizenship.
Therefore, on the strength and power of His Word we keep going, no matter what! We have the hope of eternal life!!!
Father, thank You for this day and that by Your grace and mercy, we are justified, made a new creation in Christ, and sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit which has placed us in the position of becoming an heir of the hope of eternal life. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord, we praise You for the gift of Your redemption and justification. Lord, we praise You for the generous outpouring of Your Spirit to cleanse us and indwell us and conform us to Your Will. Lord, use us to love as You love today.
Father, we love You. Amen!
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