The Appearance of hope: grace, godliness, and glory
As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and look forward to a new year, it's crucial to understand the transformative power of this hope and how it shapes our lives.
The Grace That Appeared
The story of hope begins with an extraordinary event: the appearance of God's grace in the person of Jesus Christ. This wasn't just a historical occurrence but a divine epiphany that illuminated the darkness of our world. As the Gospel of John beautifully puts it, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world" (John 1:9).
This appearance of grace wasn't simply to provide moral instruction or set a good example. It came with a far more profound purpose – to bring salvation to everyone. In a world burdened by sin and separated from God, this grace offers a way back to Him. It's a grace that covers our transgressions and transforms our very nature.
The apostle Paul, writing to Titus, emphasizes that this grace "has appeared, bringing salvation for all people" (Titus 2:11). It's a universal offer, extending to every person regardless of their background or past. This grace is the foundation of our hope, the assurance that no matter how far we've strayed, there's forgiveness, redemption, and salvation in Christ.
Grace That Instructs
But the story doesn't end with salvation. The grace that saves us also teaches us how to live. Paul continues, explaining that this grace instructs us "to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age" (Titus 2:12).
This instruction isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about transformation. Like a parent training a child, God's grace disciplines and shapes us. It teaches us to say "no" to the things that pull us away from God and "yes" to the things that draw us closer to Him.
This process of transformation, known theologically as sanctification, is ongoing. It's not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing righteousness. It's about allowing God's grace to shape every aspect of our lives – our thoughts, words, actions, and desires.
Importantly, this instruction isn't for some future time or ideal circumstance. Paul emphasizes that we're to live this way "in the present age." Right now, amid our everyday lives, God's grace is at work, teaching us to live in a way that honors Him.
The Blessed Hope
As we allow God's grace to transform us, we find ourselves living with a unique perspective. We're not just living for the present moment but for future hope. Paul describes this as "the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).
This hope isn't characterized by uncertainty or anxiety. It's a "blessed" or “happy” hope – a joyful anticipation of what's to come. Just as a child eagerly awaits Christmas morning, we look forward to the return of Christ with excitement and joy.
This future hope isn't just about escaping the troubles of this world. It's about the fulfillment of all God's promises. When Christ returns, He comes not as a helpless baby in a manger but as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of this return, describing Christ as a warrior on a white horse, coming to establish His kingdom fully on earth (Revelation 19:11-16).
For those who have put their faith in Christ, this isn't a terrifying prospect but a glorious one. It's the moment when all wrongs will be made right, justice will prevail, and we will see our Savior face to face.
Living in Light of Hope
Understanding this progression of grace – from salvation to instruction to future hope – should profoundly impact how we live our lives. It raises crucial questions for self-reflection:
What is the purpose of our salvation? Is it merely about escaping hell, or is it about entering into a transformative relationship with God?
Is God's grace actively working in our lives? Are we becoming more like Christ day by day, even in small ways?
Do we truly look forward to Christ's return? Or are we too attached to this world and its temporary pleasures?
These questions are interconnected. The more we grasp the depth of what Christ has done for us in salvation, the more we'll allow His grace to work in our lives. And the more His grace transforms us, the more we'll long for His return and the establishment of His kingdom.
This hope we have isn't just a personal comfort. It's a light that should shine through us, impacting the world around us. In a society characterized by despair and cynicism, Christians should stand out as beacons of hope, not because we're blind to the world's problems but because we know the One who has overcome the world.
As we celebrate Christmas and look toward a new year, let's allow the full impact of God's grace to permeate our lives. May we be people who live with purpose, growing in godliness, and eagerly anticipating the glorious return of our Savior. In doing so, we become living testimonies to the transformative power of hope – a hope that appeared in a manger, instructs us daily, and will one day be fully realized when Christ returns in glory.
