Grace Received And Given Away

“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 Savior 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

The grace of God not only spares us but also instills a desire to live a holy life. Not simply a lifestyle to turn away from but characteristics to now employ. Godly living is demonstrated when we are obedient to sound doctrine. A life filled with holiness focuses on the hope that Jesus will return. The objective then becomes sharing that hope with others.  

Obedience to God’s Word produces denial of self. While we decrease, the Lord increases. He is lifted and honored. In this life, we must be willing to forsake all for the cause of Christ. Peter reminded Jesus that he left all to follow Him and then asked what he should receive for this loyalty (Matthew 19:27). Jesus replied, “…everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).

Anything given up for the Lord will be repaid many times over. Sometimes it will be here, as was the case with Job (Job 42:9-10). However, all will be repaid when we are made complete and with the Lord in heaven. The best return on investment is eternal life!

When it is true conversion, the grace of God leading to salvation will cause us to want to live a holy life. Not because we think we can earn salvation, but because of the reflection our lives give off to others. We will therefore be zealous for good works. The good works that lead others to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives be an eternal reflection of the salvation that has been freely given!  

“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

– Matthew 10:7-8