Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,”  vv. 11-12

Martin Luther once said of the book of Titus that “it was a model of Christian doctrine” and that it contained “all that is necessary for a Christian to know and to live.” This is high praise from a man who once called James an “epistle of straw.” Luther most likely loved Titus because of its emphasis on the grace of God, a grace that has brought salvation not to a chosen few, but to all. That message literally saved Luther’s life and became the centerpiece of his teaching. He thought it to be the most incredible message that anyone could possibly hear. “Grace alone” was his mantra and he believed with all his heart that this message could transform the world. And many did respond to his preaching with grateful thanksgiving…but not everyone! It angered him fiercely when he saw people listen to the gospel of grace and then go out and live as they pleased, without regard for righteousness or piety. Times have not changed, and that’s still how too many people respond to the good news of salvation for all. They’re just not interested in living lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly. It really is a pity…because grace does have transforming power, and when we turn our backs on it, we miss out on the joy and peace that God wants for us all.

Thought for the Day: When have I experienced the transforming power of grace?