Message from Scripture: 1/29/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Titus 2:11-12; “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.”

It may come as a surprise to some in the denominational world, but hopefully not to us in the body of Christ, that our response to the doctrine of Christ is the basis on which we have relationship with Jesus or not. We know we are saved by God’s grace, as we don’t earn or deserve His salvation in Christ. What most don’t realize is that grace and obedience do go together.

Consider Jesus words to those in His day. “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9).  It is obvious God was not pleased with how human tradition had replaced His divinely revealed will.  Paul expresses the same thought in Gal. 5:4; “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” Paul wrote to those who were adding elements of the Law to the gospel. In other words, they had some “doctrinal misunderstandings.”  Paul didn’t say grace covered them, but just the opposite; they were outside God’s grace!

Paul reminded Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16).  Doctrine and a relationship with our Lord are not mutually exclusive.  Sound doctrine is the foundation on which our relationship with God in Christ is established.  Scripture alone is our guide to truth and eternity.  We must not neglect it, nor alter it, but live by it.  Our relationship with God, now and forever, depends on it. May we allow the grace of God to do what God intends, to save us through Christ, to teach us to live faithful lives in Him, to help us reach eternal life. Praise God for grace and mercy, and the life it provides. God bless.

Robert