For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
—Titus 2:11 (NKJV)
The ultimate promise of salvation is knowing that when we die we will be in heaven with our Savior. But salvation means more than we are going to heaven one day. Salvation is here now on earth. Not only does Christ’s atonement make us right with God but also gives us the power to resist temptation and pursue a life that pleases God. Salvation gives you the power to resist the attacks of the enemy and to receive the promises of God’s Word.
“Sozo” is the Greek word used for salvation in Titus 2:11 and throughout the Word. According to Strong's Concordance, “sozo” means “to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.” This definition reveals that there is more to salvation than just the forgiveness of sins. There is healing and wholeness in Christ. There is provision, protection, and deliverance. Jesus Christ heals and makes us whole in every way. (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 8:16-17, Hebrews 2:14, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 1:12-14).
When we read Titus 2:11 in view of Strong’s Concordance, we see that salvation is more than just the means to get to heaven. The grace of God that brings forgiveness, healing, provision, protection, and deliverance has appeared to all men. His grace is the wholeness of life given for all mankind, and it becomes real for us when we accept Christ as our Savior. Salvation is the complete and finished work of Christ’s love, and it is ours.
“For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17, NKJV).
The law, given through Moses, when broken contained curses—such as sicknesses and the lack of God’s protection as punishment (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). But Jesus became the curse for our inability to keep the law when He carried our sins to the Cross. He annulled those curses with His grace (Galatians 3:13). Grace and truth came to us through the love of Jesus. His grace forgives our sins, heals our diseases, provides for us, and delivers us from the attacks of the enemy
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32, NKJV). When you receive His grace and know His truth, you are set free from sin, sickness, and every lie of the enemy. You are new and whole in Christ—(2 Corinthians 5:17).
If this is true, why do we live beneath what Jesus purchased for us with His life? The Word says that "by His stripes, we were healed (1 Peter 2:24)." Why don't we believe that Christ’s atonement provides wholeness of life here on earth just as we believe it provides forgiveness of sins? And why are we intimidated by an enemy that Jesus defeated on Calvary? When we don’t understand the power of grace and truth in our lives, we don’t believe the finished work of salvation for which Jesus gave His very life to be ours.
The Word is the incorruptible seed of God's truth and grace. And faith comes by spiritually hearing His truth in our hearts and receiving what the Holy Spirit reveals (Romans 10:17). What you hear with your heart releases faith in God’s grace. And His grace, which brings forgiveness, healing, provision, and deliverance, has appeared to you. Grace has come to you through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness—healing—provision, and the power to stand against a defeated enemy are all yours when you exercise your faith. Titus 2:11 says they have come to all men. Anyone can receive when they believe in Christ.
The Word of God is the seed that carries His grace to you. And knowledge of the Word will set you free to receive the promises of Calvary. Faith will grow by hearing the Word in your heart. The moment your faith starts to grow, you step into the power of His grace and truth.
There is grace to be made whole. Whom the Son sets free, is indeed free (John 8:36). He is here for you now. Jesus is your forgiveness—your healer—your provider—your deliverer. You enter into the provision of His precious grace when you believe in God’s goodness and the depth of His love for you. And how profound is His love? God sent His Son so you can be free of sin and receive His healing grace (Psalm 107:20). You are free to experience His wholeness and fullness of life. Don’t allow anything to stop you.
© 2021 Lynn Lacher
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