Titus 3:4-8 

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,  6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,  7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (ESV) 

I would like to insist these truths to you so that you would be careful to devote yourself fully to the Lord.  I would like to insist these thoughts to you so that you have an excellent spiritual life and have blessing from the Lord.  I would like to insist from the Scriptures everything Paul is telling Titus. 

Eternal life came to each of us because of God’s love.  In this passage, it is called loving kindness.  God’s love is not just a feeling, but rather also an action.  He sent Jesus as an extension of His love.  He did not send Him because of good things we had done… quite the opposite.  God sent Jesus because we are sinful and we need mercy.  I insist that you know God loves you. 

Eternal life is poured out to us only in Jesus Christ.  He is our Savior.  He is the plan of God that was sent to give us complete forgiveness of sins.  That’s what the word “justification” means that Paul writes to Titus.  We are completely forgiven in Jesus Christ because of His death, burial, and resurrection.  I insist that you know that complete forgiveness is given through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

Eternal life is an inheritance given to us.  We are heirs of the promises that God has made come true in Jesus Christ.  Eternal life is one part of our inheritance.  It is ours.  It is kept safe.  Our souls are given life in Christ because of His payment for our sins.  I insist that you know that Heaven is in store for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. 

I insist on these things for the same reason that the Apostle Paul insisted upon them.  Knowing these truths in Christ should motivate us to be moral and good and holy and righteous.  We have been given a great gift and we are called to live life forwards towards that gift.  We can’t earn it, but we can sure act thankful in our lives for it by going good and sharing Christ with others. 

I insist. 

TMB