Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that
offers salvation to all people.
In most Christian worship services, there is usually a
point where the people are invited to give an offering. This can be in the form
of tithes or gifts, with cash or by check. Whatever is given is up to the
individual believer or household. Whatever is offered is then prayerfully sanctified
and belongs to God. The offering is voluntary, as is God’s response to whatever
is given.
In
ancient times, instead of money animal sacrifices were offered to either honor
God or to appease Him. If God accepted the offering, then the petitioner’s
prayers were blessed. If God refused the offering, then the believer’s life was
cursed. We see this happening early on in the Bible when both Cain and Abel
present their offerings to God. One is gladly accepted and the other is wholly
rejected. Abel’s offering is received as a blessing; Cain’s gift is cursed.
Today’s
verse reverses the whole sacrificial system and the process of offerings. In this instance, it is God who
offers to the entire world the gift of salvation. Notice in Titus 2:11
that this great gift is being offered, it is not given away. This means that
every person has the opportunity to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.
In other words, it’s left to us to freely receive or cast aside this amazing
gift. How we respond to this divine offer will either bring us eternal blessing
or an everlasting curse.
Salvation
is not a given; it is an offering. It’s up to us as free-willed individuals to
make the right choice. Today can be the day of our salvation and the true beginning
of our eternal relationship with God through Christ. God offers everything – but
we have to accept this gift in order to receive it.
Questions
for personal reflection
Have I responded to God’s offer of salvation through
Jesus? Have I shared this offer with my loved ones?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, You are appointed as the Savior of the World, so we are called to accept
the salvation that You offer to us individually. Enable each of us to fully
embrace and receive this offer. Help us also to share this godly gift with all
whom we dearly love. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to
comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s image is one of
John’s Holy Week drawings called “Passover.” If you would like to view a larger
version, please click on this link: Passover.
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