Titus 3:4-5 NIV
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,
There has to be a basis for comparison, if I am indeed saved. From the chapter from where the verses above is taken, we see this truth laid out quite clearly. There was a time when we all had been foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. No matter how nice we looked, or how well we behaved, or how impressed people were with our lives, we were under the bondage of sin. Sin made sure we could not meet God's approval in our natural state, and God also provided a way for us to become acceptable to Him. Whatever burden or weight lay in my past had to be laid down at the foot of the cross, which is God's provision of help for my sinful nature. It is at the cross that the process of rebirth and renewal starts. How can a righteous and Holy God, who has declared hatred for sin, look at unrighteous and sinful man if there is no proper cover for man; one that could take away the wrath of God and enable man make the approach to God?
The love that drew this plan of salvation is one that cannot be explained by mere words; you have got to experience it in order to fully understand it. If man could buy salvation, not many people will be saved. If man could pay the penalty for sin from his own pocket, why would he need God? Man's helplessness has made clear the benefits of God's provision, and now, I can look forward to all that God is, and has given me, only if I align with the conditions laid out for access. Cornelius was a man of whom it was said that he and all his family were devout and God-fearing. The man gave generously to those in need and prayed to God, yet we read that Peter had to be sent to him to show him a higher calling. Like all of us today, let us not be distracted by all the applause and approval of men. What counts is what God has laid out as his terms and conditions. I can choose to abide by them, and get all He had promised, or I can take the chance that God is wrong. Do you really want to take that kind of dangerous step, in light of all that is going on around?
I could not make it by labour alone, but by labour backed up by the help of the One who loved me, saved me, and then placed me where I am right now. I could not earn it by inheritance or entitlement, but by mercy. If it is indeed by mercy, there is no room for pride, self - promotion or envy. It has to be a daily dependence on the One who has qualified me to stand in the first place. I cannot also start by depending solely on Him, and then, as I 'grow older', try and complete the race on my own terms or by my own strength. If I try it, it will not work, and it will not end well. Rebirth and renewal are the works of God in the hearts of men. The new birth is God's way of breaking the hold of sin. Renewal is a fresh start; a new way of living. I need the help of the Holy Spirit for this new phase of life. God has done all I need; the response is left to me. God's time of favour is here.
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