"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 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

If you are a born-again Christian (that is the only kind of true Christian there is) then you should join me in praising God for His grace. However, it is possible that some people do not really understand what the grace of God is. Therefore we will start by explaining the Grace of God.

• The Grace of God Defined

There are two main kinds of grace in the New Testament: Saving Grace and Serving Grace. The grace in focus in the passage of Scripture we are looking at today is Saving Grace. It has been said that Saving Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. That it true as far as it goes. But, a more in-depth explanation is needed. Saving Grace is the unmerited eternal salvation of God, which comes freely to the believing sinner as a gift through the atonement of Jesus Christ. It is receiving the opposite of what we deserve. What does a sinner deserve? Condemnation to Hell for all of Eternity! It is correct to say that Saving Grace is the free forgiveness of sin and the offer of free imputed righteousness, which was purchased by Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:24 to 4:6; 11:6; Acts 15:11; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Titus 2:11; 3:4-7; Hebrews 2:9; 4:16).

Salvation by grace means salvation is not attained or maintained by human works; rather, it is the free gift from God through faith in Christ's blood. Turn with me to Romans 3:24-25 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" The Gospel of the grace is through Christ alone, by grace alone and faith alone.

Now, let me briefly explain Serving Grace. Serving Grace is the enablement God gives a Christian that makes him or her able to serve Him (see Acts 14:26; Romans 12:3,6; 15:15; 1 Corinthians 1:4; 3:10; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 9:8,14; 12:9; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:7,8; 4:7; Hebrews 12:28).

God provides Christians with everything they need to live the Christian life and to fulfill God's will (Philippians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3). However, know this, that a person cannot receive serving grace until he receives saving grace. God offers to believers serving grace for everything in the Christian life (2 Corinthians 4:15; 8:1,6,7,19; 9:14). As a Christian grows he should learn more and more to lean fully upon God's grace for the ability to live his Christian life, instead of trying to serve God in his own strength.

• The Grace of God Disclosed – v. 11

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…"

The key phrase here is hath appeared. It is one word in the Geek – epefanh epephane (ep-ee-fah’-na) which means to appear, to become visible, to bring to light. In fact, the embodiment of the grace of God is Jesus Christ! The Lord Jesus Christ, the "Sun of Righteousness" (Malachai 4:2), brought to light God’s saving purpose, which was in the shadows in the Old Testament.

Do you remember what Simeon said of the Jesus when he took the young baby in his arms? Turn to Luke 2:28-30 "Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"

Jesus Christ is grace incarnate. But that’s not all! Jesus is kindness incarnate. Jesus Christ is love incarnate! Jesus Christ is mercy incarnate. This is made clear in Titus 3:4-5 says, "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

Make no mistake: Jesus Christ brought God’s plan of Salvation out of the shadows into the light; that is, into the clear view for all men to see. Turn in your Bibles to 2 Timothy 1:9-10 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" Let’s look at the…

God’s grace includes…

Salvation from the penalty of sin – 11b

Salvation from the power of sin – 12

Salvation from the presence of sin – 13

Salvation from the possession by sin – 14

Let’s consider the first facet or aspect of grace…

• 1. Salvation From The Penalty of Sin – v. 11b

People cannot save themselves, contrary to what some believe and teach. I like the way one preacher put it – "God’s grace had to bring salvation to lost mankind. This salvation was not discovered by sinners; it appeared to them via the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ." That fact is that God in His grace sent Jesus Christ, His Son, to save those in bondage to sin. That includes us all.

We read in verse 11b -- "salvation hath appeared to all men…" The very word salvation, swthriov – sotarios (so-tay-re-os) is used to indicate deliverance from sin and its consequences. Paul wrote to the Romans – "For the wages of sin is death…" Romans 6:23. The result of sin is always death, both physical and spiritual.

The ONLY remedy for the penalty of sin is seen in the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 8:24 "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

Now turn to Titus 2:14a "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity…." The salvation Christ provides is from all iniquity. Bless God!

The next question is, who is salvation available to? Look back at Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." The word appeared epefanh – epephane (ep-ee-fah’-na) is in the aorist tense, which indicates one definite act pointing specifically to the incarnation of Jesus Christ (when He became flesh). Note also that Salvation in Christ Jesus has been made available to all men. You must understand that though Christ desires that "all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4), and that He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9), His atoning death does not save all men from their sins, but provided the means for all men to be saved. God’s grace leading to salvation is not restricted to just a select or chosen few. It is offered to all men. Simply stated, sinners are invited to believe. He offers, as a free gift, salvation to ALL sinners. However, it is their responsibility to believe. It they do, they are saved. If they do not, they are condemned. This is clearly seen in John 3:16-18 & 36 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Salvation from the penalty of sin is yours IF you will accept Christ as your own personal Savior.