Why would you need a reminder if the law is present?
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” – Titus 3:1-2
“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
Several things come to mind as I read this the first being how anti-political the early Christians were.
“Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
No political party was mentioned and despite what some may think I really don’t think God cares that much what political structure you are under He just wants to spend time with you. But here is the other piece to that if there were laws that these people were under why would He need to remind them of anything? I mean the idea of law is fairly cut and dry and He did write it down on our hearts did He not?
The other thing that sticks out here is in Vs. 3, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived…” correct me if I am wrong here but this indicates past tense does it not? We are no longer “foolish, disobedient, deceived…” not because of what we did but because of Vs. 4-7. Yes there is that beautiful grace word again and the funny thing is it is He not anything I have done as it would be if I was under law.
This passage clearly talks about “rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us generously.” Again this indicates past tense the pouring was done and the rebirth happened and all things became new, new wine skins and a new system that we have to be in fellowship with God that couldn’t happen while there was a reminder of sins (the law).
Here is another part I like: “These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” He said nothing about legal but the same word “profitable” was used in “All things are lawful but not all things are profitable.”
What does this mean? It means you are free from the law and now you can relate to an All holy God All the time because you will never be dirty from sin again- You are under grace!
Don’t worry Be Grace-Full
