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Seminary Chapel and Q&As

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Dr. Jim Tillotson examines God's grace through Titus 2:11-14, explaining both the saving grace that brings salvation to all people and the sanctifying grace that teaches believers to live differently after salvation.

Scripture Texts

Titus 2:11-14; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Main Points or Ideas

Saving Grace – The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, meaning there is universal opportunity for salvation though not universal salvation. God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. People are not condemned to hell because God has not chosen them, but because they have not chosen Him. The reason anyone is saved is completely 100% God's grace, which they don't deserve and didn't earn.
Sanctifying Grace – God's grace not only saves but also teaches believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. When someone gets saved, old things should pass away and all things should become new. Sanctifying grace is that grace in the heart that makes believers want to live differently after salvation.
Putting Off Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts – The Bible provides specific lists of what ungodliness looks like, including sexual sin, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, envy, pride, blasphemy, unthankfulness, unforgiveness, slander, and lack of self-control. These are things believers must say no to as God's sanctifying grace works in their lives.
Putting On Sober, Righteous, and Godly Living – Believers are to live soberly (sensibly, with discretion and self-control), righteously (by a divine standard of what is right, not subjective values), and godly (with an appropriate attitude toward God and the things of God, reflecting God-likeness in perspective and spirit). The fruit of the Spirit demonstrates what this righteous living looks like.

ConclusionGod’s grace is displayed through salvation. Saving grace is capable of saving all men and is a blessed hope. The reason anyone goes to hell is unbelief, and sin does not have the power to take away our salvation. God’s grace also is displayed through sanctification. Sanctifying grace allows believers to live the heart of Christ differently than in ungodliness and with denying worldly lusts.