“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)

The Old Testament is filled with stories about the people’s rebellion and rejection of God after God’s incredible work to show them His love and direction. His love is illustrated by the plea of Abraham for Sodom. Abraham’s nephew Lot and family lived in Sodom. The wickedness of Sodom was evident and God’s judgment was coming. Abraham asked God a question, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23) It is here that Abaham begins to seek out how many righteous people will avert God’s action. He begins with 50 and goes down to 10. It is in God’s willingness to listen to Abraham where He shows His great love for those created in His Image.

It is with this love that God sent Jesus into this sin-filled world. Paul would declare, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) Even when man rejects God, He still loves him. The difference is that the wages of sin still apply and eternal death awaits the one who does not come to God by faith.

Those who do respond to God’s love and accept Jesus into their lives are provided with so much through the salvation He brings. This is Paul’s encouragement to Titus. We are given a cleansing and a new life through a rebirth. Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. . .. Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:3,5-6) This renewal of life comes as God’s presence through the Holy Spirit is given to us and begins to transform us. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

All of this comes because of God’s mercy and grace offered to us through His love. “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3) This all comes through Jesus Christ who desires to fill us with His wisdom in abundance. “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:4-5) The fulfillment of His provision for us is eternity with Him. We have become heirs of God, “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:15-17)

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block