The Teaching Of Grace

Titus 2: 12

The grace of God that brings salvation radically alters a man's character and his conduct, so much so that all who experience it are called "new creatures" in Christ. Grace interferes with a person's life. Before grace comes in, sin rules. After grace comes in, grace rules. Whenever the gospel of the grace of God comes into a person's heart by the peter and grace of God the Holy Spirit it teaches that person, effectually teaches him! Grace teaches us to look to Christ alone for our entire salvation. Grace teaches us the doctrine of Christ. And grace teaches us how to live in this world for the glory of God (Read Titus 2: l-l5).

The gospel of the grace of God has not been given to us for intellectual speculation, theological debate, or religious strife, but for practical direction. It is given for our eternal salvation and for the ordering of our lives. It tells us what to do and what not to do, what to follow and what to shun.

The grace of God that brings salvation teaches all who are saved to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Grace teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness. Ungodliness is unbelief, the neglect of God, his Word, his worship and his will. And grace teaches us to say "No" to worldly lusts, sensuality, covetousness, ambition and the desire for praise.

And the grace of God teaches saved men and women to live right, how to live in this world for the glory of God, adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. With respect to ourselves, we are to live "soberly," as men and women who live in the awareness of God's presence, with an eye to eternity. With reference to others, we are to live "righteously." That simply means, "grace teaches men to treat men right." In every relationship, saved people are taught of God to do what is right toward others. With regard to God, we are to live "godly," believing God, in the awareness of his majesty, with an eye to his glory, seeking his will, obeying his Word, engaging in his worship.

This is the teaching of grace. Let all who profess the doctrine of grace live by the teaching of grace. Indeed, all who have experienced grace do, in the tenor of their lives, live by the teaching of grace.

Don Fortner