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Grace: The Gift that Keeps Giving

27 October 2024

Sunrise Mountains Landscape

Grace is the unmerited favour of God, and it reaches into our lives to transform us.  In the book of Titus, the apostle Paul highlights how this grace works in our lives.  He writes in Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”  This passage shows that grace is not only about salvation; it is also about the ongoing process of transformation that takes place within each of us.

 

The Gift That Saves

Grace begins with salvation.  It is the unearned gift that offers us a new beginning - not because of anything we have done, but entirely because of what Jesus has done on our behalf.  Titus 3:5 reminds us of this truth: "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."

 

Grace invites us into a relationship with God, granting us forgiveness and a clean slate.  It marks the beginning of a journey where we step out of darkness into His marvellous light.  But grace does not end at salvation; it continues to work in us, renewing our minds and reshaping our lives.

 

Grace That Instructs

Grace does more than save us; it also instructs us in how we should live.  According to Titus 2:12, grace "teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions."  It acts as a guide, directing us toward what is good, true and pleasing to God.  Grace empowers us to make choices that align with our new identity in Christ, helping us let go of the habits and desires that once held us captive.

 

Choosing to turn away from sin is not about following a set of rules or working to earn God's approval.  It is a response to the love and mercy we have already received.  As we get a better understanding of that love, our desires begin to transform.  This leads us to pursue a life that is full, purposeful, and aligned with God's will.

 

Grace That Transforms Our Lives

 

Grace is not reserved for just the important moments in our lives; it touches every part of our daily life as well.  Paul urges believers to live "self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:12).  The motivation for living such a life is not rooted in obligation or fear, but in a sense of gratitude for God's work in our lives.

 

This journey of transformation is an ongoing process, and there will be times when we struggle.  However, the same grace that saves us and instructs us also strengthens and restores us when we stumble.  It is the grace of God that lifts us up, encourages us to press on, and reminds us that we are not alone in this journey.

 

Grace touches every aspect of who we are.  It saves, instructs and empowers us to live lives that reflect the character of Jesus.  As we grow in our understanding of this gift, we begin to see its impact not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.  Our journey with grace enables us to live in a way that demonstrates God's love to the people around us.


Photo of Kenny MacKay

Kenny MacKay
Associate Pastor
GoChurch Bradford