The Teaching of Grace

"Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:12

Whenever the gospel of the grace of God comes into a sinner’s heart by the life-giving, regenerating power and grace of God the Holy Spirit, it effectually teaches him some things. Grace does not just present a lesson which we ought to learn. Grace effectually teaches chosen sinners the lesson.

Faith

The grace of God, that grace which brings salvation, teaches us to look to Christ alone for salvation, eternal life, righteousness, atonement, and everlasting acceptance with the holy Lord God (Isa. 45:22; 1 Cor. 1:30-31). No one is saved in any other way. Christ alone is the solitary object of true faith.

Knowledge

The grace of God also effectually teaches regenerate sinners what to believe. Grace teaches sinners that they are indeed sinners, and that the only way sinners can be saved is by grace, grace extended upon the grounds of justice satisfied. Faith is not, as many suppose, a leap in the dark. Faith is walking in the light. All who are born of God are taught of God (John 6:45), and know the truth (1 John 2:20). All the sheep of Christ know the Shepherd’s voice. They know not the voice of strangers, who come proclaiming the will, works, and worth of men, and will not follow them (John 10:5).

Character

The grace of God that brings salvation also teaches saved sinners how to live in this world. Grace makes sinners gracious. Conversion changes a person’s character. Christianity is manifest in a believer’s conduct.

Give no heed to those who declare that character and conduct are irrelevant. The gospel is not given for intellectual speculation, but for practical direction. It is given for our eternal salvation and for the ordering of our lives. It tells us plainly what we are to do and what we are not to do. It tells us what to follow and what to shun. Our works have nothing to do with our salvation; but saving grace always produces good works (Eph. 2:8-10; Tit. 3:8, 14). Grace works by love (Gal. 5:6).

The grace of God effectually teaches saved sinners to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. The gospel teaches us to say “No” to unbelief and the neglect of God, his Word, his worship, and his will. It also teaches us to say “No” to worldly lusts, sensuality, covetousness, ambition, and the desire for recognition and praise.

In a word, the grace of God teaches people to live right. With respect to ourselves, grace teaches us to live “soberly.” With respect to others, grace teaches us to live “righteously.” With respect to God, grace teaches us to live “godly,” to walk before God with reverence, faith, and submission to his will, seeking to glorify him in all things. The motive and inspiration compelling believers in these things is grace (1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 12:1-2).