The Appearing of the Grace of God in the Person of Jesus Christ
Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,”
The grace of God appeared at the Incarnation when Mary embraced God’s plan as spoken by the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38 and at the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke 2:6-20.
The grace of God was testified of by Simeon at the presentation of eight-day-old Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:30-32. Simeon prophetically declared that Jesus would be “A Light of Revelation to the Gentiles” which is a reference to Isaiah 9:2.
The grace of God appeared through Jesus Christ. The word “appeared” (epiphaino) is seen in Titus 2:11 and in Titus 3:4.
Titus 3:4 reads, “But when the kindness of God, our Savior and His love for mankind appeared“
The word “appeared” has the meaning of “to show forth”, to “shine”, “to bring light”.
“For the grace of God has appeared” is speaking of Jesus coming to Earth and becoming a man (the Incarnation).
John 1:14 tells us, “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory, as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The Word became flesh.
The Grace of God appeared in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus brought salvation and His name literally means “the Lord is salvation”.
God’s Grace appeared in the Person of Christ who offers salvation to all kinds of people. Salvation is brought by Jesus who offers it to anyone - no matter their age, background, or ethnicity.
This does not mean that all people are saved or will be saved.
However, the Lord’s desire is for none to perish but to have eternal life.
1 Timothy 2:4 “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
What should you do? Romans 13:11-12 answers this question.
Romans 13:11-12 “And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
And, 2 Corinthians 6:2b “behold, now is “The Acceptable Time,” behold, now is “The Day of Salvation”.
Finally, Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest”.
-Submitted by Pam Burton