Titus 2:11 (3)

We see, at the end of the verse that this salvation hath appeared to all men. This verse is constructed differently by different literal versions of the Bible. The ESV, for example, reads ‘the grace of God that brings salvation to all men appeared’. So does this verse mean that the grace that saves all men appeared, or does it mean that the grace that saves appeared to all men? I think we can happily stay within the bounds of Biblical doctrine and the integrity of this verse when we say ‘both’.

The opportunity for salvation is universal; there is no man beyond the reach of God’s grace. One commentator put it like this: ‘Christ’s atonement certainly purchased for all men a merciful postponement of the doom incurred by our sins, including all the blessings of our earthly life, the Gospel restraints upon human depravity and the sincere offer of Heaven to all. But for Christ, man’s doom would have instantly followed after his sin, as with the angels.’

But also we can say that the grace that saves has appeared to all men. Romans 1:19-20 says ‘…that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shown it to them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.’ All men are without excuse for rejecting Christ. Guilty and without excuse. If that doesn’t awaken some evangelistic fervour in us, perhaps nothing will.

Titus 2:11 gives us the reason and the ability to live the lives that chapter 2 calls on us to live. The grace of God, supremely revealed by Jesus Christ on the cross, is unleashed into our hearts, which, as we note in verse 12 and will see next time, teaches us to deny ungodliness and live godly lives. The only way we can have the strength to do that is through the grace of God through Jesus Christ. God calls all men to show by their daily life that He is a saving God. That He is the God who is there. To live different lives to those around us. But God doesn’t and never will call us to do something without giving us the power and ability to do so. And because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, because grace appeared we have all the goodness, greatness, glory and grace of God on our side. Let us come to Him…