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
Dear heavenly Father, I praise you for this worship-fueling, heart-encouraging, life-shaping summary of the gospel. What an amazing passage, and I’m so thankful you’ve written this good news on my heart with indelible ink.
You’re such an outrageously generous God. Your kindness and love appeared to me out of nowhere—like a helicopter of hope, rescuing me from a hopeless existence; like a geyser of grace in the middle of an arid desert; actually, more like a resurrection to life from the tomb of my sin and death. So great is the gospel, so stunning your sovereign love.
I wasn’t seeking you, Father, but you were seeking me—running to me, running after me—not to harm me, but to heal me from both paralyzing guilt and foolish pride. I praise you for your multiplied mercies.
And what a “bath” in the gospel you gave me—washing me, once and for all, through the new birth. Now you continue to renew, revive, and refresh me through the ministry of the Holy Spirit—poured forth like a healing waterfall. All of these blessings come to us so freely because you’ve given Jesus for us so fully.
Now that you’ve justified me by your grace, the rest of my life is defined by heir-ship and hope. Though I sometimes feel, and act, like a fatherless, futureless orphan, nothing could be farther from the truth. The saints in heaven are happier but no more secure than I am. You will bring to completion the good work you’ve begun in us and in the entire universe. Hallelujah, what a Savior Jesus is! Hallelujah, what a salvation is ours! So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ magnificent and merciful name.
