When Life Begins Again

Day 301: Titus 3:1-15

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” - Titus 3:3-6 ESV

William Barclay wrote this about our passage today:  "The point is that when we accept Christ as Saviour and Lord, life begins all over again."

Can you remember what your life was like before God's goodness and kindness burst upon you?

Paul paints a vivid picture of being bound by destructive lifestyles, allowing whatever we feel to reign supreme. Do I feel like hating someone or sinning sexually? What's holding me back? Will legislation or law enforcement be enough to keep us from sin? Usually, our flesh will find a way around them.

The moment of God saving us is a moment of re-creation and, thus, a reorientation of our entire lives.

Though we may still live in the same house or work the same job or attend the same classes, all of them are done in light of a deep renewal that took place when we believed and were baptized (see Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12). Living life with the renewing work of the indwelling Holy Spirit is the only way for us to be saved and to experience holiness day-to-day.

Jesus didn't just save us from our past; He also called us into a brighter future.