Saved By Grace!

Dear Readers around the world!

This week our article is written for us by Pastor Rod Johnson. As we get closer to the time of year when we gaze upon our Saviours’ suffering, death, and resurrection, we can really get a clear view of His great love, mercy and grace for us! The message of this season of Lent is who we are in Christ Jesus! Our Salvation is all completed, and it is by grace we are saved through faith! Therefore, I feel that even though this article is not for this time specifically, yet it is very fitting for this season.

May God Bless your week! John R.

FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED!
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14

I love the message of this text, for it puts all things in the perspective of God’s gift, will and desire for all of mankind! God’s amazing gift of grace provides all things necessary for our salvation. As it is written:
• Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. • Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

The primary points of this passage:
1. Grace bringing salvation by: His work alone in Christ Jesus!
2. Grace teaching us denial: Of ungodliness and lust in this world!
3. Grace teaching us how to live!: Self-controlled, upright, (soberly, righteously) and godly lives in the present age
4. Grace teaching us what to look for!: “The blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”5. Grace teaching us, how it was accomplished!: “He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people …..”6. Grace teaching us, what kind of people we are!: “A peculiar people, zealous of good works”We may then ask, “What else is there that we are to do?” The Lord tells us in the next verse the fulfillment of all things, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 It is His work (For we are his workmanship) by which we are transformed into His image (created in Christ Jesus) that His will would be accomplished to His honor and glory and the exaltation of His Son Jesus Christ, as Lord! To be transformed into His Image cannot be done by our works. Not by the keeping of the law, or to minister His Word, or loving our neighbor, or anything else, but only by His work of grace alone.

Yet in love for Him, because He first loved us, as a fruit of the faith He has given to us by grace, we desire to submit ourselves unto His will to do what He sets before us! Praising the Lord for His Grace!

THIS IS WHAT IS SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE! Therefore, let us praise the Lord!

Saved By Grace!
In His Love serving Him!
In Service to His People,
Pr. Rod