"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that...we should live...righteously...." (Titus 2)
Notice that the, "the grace of God...teach[es] us...," something.
Many believe that the grace of God is just God's mercy, goodness, etc., or the classic, and too often clicheish, "unmerited favor." True enough, but as with so much which is to many just something they heard and something which seems to be a dominant shibboleth in the religious community, they do not stay open for the Holy Spirit's continual teaching.
The grace of God is not some nebulous concept, just hanging out there to be talked about. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, "....teach[es] us..," necessary principles to walk victoriously in Jesus Christ. And if you read on in the chapter, you discover some of what, "....the grace of God...teach[es] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special People, zealous for good works."
"The grace of God," is not just about what we receive. "The grace of God," is most fully manifested in how we respond to His Grace. If you and I appreciate and are thankful for the grace of God, then we will obey what His grace is, "....teaching us...."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You constantly for breaking through any "completed" theology. Amen.
