For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (KJV)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, (NASB)
2:11 grace of God. Not simply the divine attribute of grace, but Jesus Christ Himself, grace incarnate, God's supremely gracious gift to fallen mankind. Cf. John 1:14. all men. This does not teach universal salvation. "All men" is used as "man" in 3:4, to refer to humanity in general, as a category, not to every individual. See notes on 2 Cor. 5:19; 2 Pet. 3:9. Jesus Christ made a sufficient sacrifice to cover every sin of every one who believes (John 3:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:5,6; 4:10; 1 John 2:2). Paul makes clear in the opening words of this letter to Titus that salvation becomes effective only through "the faith of God's elect" (1:1). See note on 3:2. Out of all humanity, only those who believe will be saved (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24,38,40; 6:40; 10:9; Rom. 10:9-17).
2:12 denying.. live. Salvation is transforming (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-10), and transformation (new birth) produces a new life in which the power of sin has been broken (see notes on Rom 6:4-14; Phil. 3:8,9; Col. 3:9,10).
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Tit 2:11). Nashville: Word Pub.
Crosses by Brian
Creator of crosses that carry a message to be proclaimed with courage.
