For the grace of God that brings salvation has
appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for
the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus
Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless
deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
– Titus 2.11-14
I know I say this a lot, but this is one of my favourite passages
of scripture. There is a lot packed into these four verses. Not the least of
these is the phrase ‘the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all
men.’ I am almost tempted to break that phrase down into two or three thoughts
all by itself.
But the ‘grace of God that brings salvation to all me has
appeared’ needs to be considered all by itself.
The grace of God – that amazing grace that Newton wrote
about – has appeared. We couldn’t create it, stir it up, or make it appear. Where
would we be in God's amazing grace that brings salvation had not appeared? We
would be lost and without hope in this world.
Praise God that His amazing grace salvation appeared to all men – including me.
Amazing grace! How
sweet the sound
That saved a wretch
like me.
I once was lost, but
now am found,
Was blind, but now I
see.
'Twas grace that
taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears
relieved.
How precious did that
grace appear
The hour I first
believed.
Through many dangers,
toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath
brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me
home.
The Lord has promised
good to me
His word my hope
secures;
He will my shield and
portion be,
As long as life
endures.
Yea, when this flesh
and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall
cease,
I shall possess within
the veil,
A life of joy and
peace.
When we've been there
ten thousand years
Bright shining as the
sun,
We've no less days to
sing God's praise
Than when we've first
begun.
--John Newton, 1725-1807
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