Paul writes in Titus 2.11 "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." (NIV)
Soon we encounter the annual consideration of Good Friday and Alleluia, Easter morning here in 2025 but this verse leapt out at me recently and I decided to plumb a bit of the depth and power of it for myself and my readers.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all" (NRSV)
"For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." (AMP)
First off, it's essential in Bible interpretation (and all other interpretations...) to consider the context in which something is stated.
In this particular section of Paul's letter to Titus, he is mentioning slaves and masters and how to live as Christ-followers. Paul is -NOT affirming slavery (though it was in many ways different to the American South's slave system and horrible treatment of African and other people of color held in bondage). He indeed is instructing Titus to teach them about living as true followers of Jesus, living out their salvation (saving knowledge and relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ) from, in and with God's grace.
Note the Amplified version I quote above
-they got it exactly correct from the Greek: "UNdeserved" therefore unearned favor of God.
"grace"- Grace, favor, kindness, blessing derived from a Gk. word which means "to rejoice" or "to be glad."
"salvation"- saving, bringing salvation, meaning "to save" or "to deliver".
Paul states this grace and salvation has appeared to all. Consider the context, this included the masters as well as indentured servants. It does not mean all people WILL be saved but that Jesus has come, the Spirit moves and God's mercy and offer of eternal life in Jesus (His very name given to Mary by the angel means "Savior", "Deliverer") has [Himself] appeared to all.
This goes beyond a mere idea or concept of being set free and inheriting eternal life from the Lord instead moving directly to the Person of God- Jesus the Christ, Messiah.
See, God's compassion, so unlike our own... goes out to all in Jesus. All will not come to Him, to trust His Word, to seek and follow the Father, to seek and listen to the Holy Spirit but to those who care and do, there is fruit now and for eternity. Here Paul expounds what God's grace actively does in the life of believers in verse 12 (and to the end of the chapter).
v.12 "instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age"(NAS)
"It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age"
(AMP)
"training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly" (NRSV)
See this link for the Greek in detail: https://biblehub.com/text/titus/2-12.htm
The idea that due to God's love, mercy and compassion toward all means we can live and act out as -we- feel like it, choose our own thoughts, desires and roads without regard to Him and His Word "now that we're saved" is fake news of present and possibly eternal consequence.
Too many decide to ignore the quiet voice of the Spirit of God, do not give time and deep thought to the Word, directives and desire of God in daily choices and living.
Salvation is a gift that freely given us by Jesus's supreme sacrifice -is not a "park and lock it, done deal" matter where the Lord has zero interest in our continuing spiritual growth and maturity. It's truly NOT "pie in the sky when we die" full stop! How we as professing followers of Jesus live must not only be considered but -done- in our daily life on earth.
What God's love and grace engenders due to Jesus's death and resurrection is new life indeed -starting NOW, not later. It causes us to consider God, ourselves and our attitudes and treatment of others regardless of gifts, callings, station in life, etc..
May we recognize and apply these things!
And as always, thanks for stopping by :) -Glenn
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