For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching 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. Titus 2:11-13.
Soberly, sophronos; Strong’s # 4996. This word is from sozo, “to save,” and phren, “the mind.” The word sophronos is an adverb signifying acting in a responsible manner, sensibly, prudently, being in self-control and in full possession of intellectual and emotional faculties.
The basic building block to godly living is the grace of God. It teaches Christians discipleship and gives them the blessed hope of the Coming of Christ. Our proper conduct is introduced by the word for in verse 11.
There is a very close relationship between ethics (a set of moral principles) and theology (the study of God and God’s relation to the world.) The reference in this verse is to the incarnation of God in Jesus. God chose to manifest Himself in the human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
In verse 13 we have the pill that cultists cannot swallow. The Apostle Paul testifies to the deity of Jesus Christ by identifying Him as our great God and Savior.
Dec 19, 2012 @ 02:26:52
As you have pointed out, Manny, verse 13 makes it clear: Jesus Christ is our great God and Savior. These verses alone are needed to dispel the notion of antinomianism, which you mentioned in a comment made on my blog. Such depth in only a few verses.
Just more light from the pot. Thanks Manny.
Dec 19, 2012 @ 18:57:53
For those who have tasted of His salvation there is no other. Unlike the flavor of the week which so many tout as some grand thing. Oh how great a salvation.