For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
Titus 2:11-12
Ever wonder if a relationship with God is only for certain people, and you aren’t one of the special ones? This passage from Paul tells me that this is not true. God gave every sinner a way to be saved. That way is Jesus. The only way is Jesus. I am grateful that the grace found in Jesus “offers salvation to all people.” Not everyone will accept that offer because we are stubborn in our rebellion and we love the darkness of resisting God. But our depravity does not take away from the goodness of God demonstrated through Jesus.
The salvation that Jesus provides changes our hearts. In Jesus, we are born-again and made a new creation that desires God and a godly lifestyle. This salvation “teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” Is your relationship with Jesus teaching you to say “no” to things that are against God? If not, then you are not saved. A salvation that has not given you a change of heart has not saved you.
Paul describes this new way of life using three words. Paul says a Christian is self-controlled. A Christian has the ability to direct their life away from things that dishonor God and toward things that honor God. We are to be upright people. Our lifestyles should not make us feel shameful, secretive, or burdensome. We should reflect the righteousness of the God we confess and worship. Finally, Paul says we should be a godly or God-seeking person. When God changes our hearts we want to learn more about God and understand His Word better.
