The Grace-Call to Live Righteously

Salvation is by grace alone (Rom 6:23; Eph 2:8-9), through faith alone (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16), in Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), totally apart from works (Rom 4:4-5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). However, after salvation, the Christian is called to a life of obedience, not as a means of securing salvation, but as the proper response to divine grace. Scripture states, “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” (Tit 2:11-12). Here, Paul presents a crucial doctrinal distinction—God’s grace not only provides salvation (phase one) but also serves as the ongoing instructor for the believer’s spiritual growth (phase two).

The phrase “the grace of God has appeared” refers to the historical manifestation of grace in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This grace is offered to “all men,” meaning salvation is universally available, though only appropriated by those who believe (John 1:12; 3:16; Acts 10:43). However, grace does not merely save—it instructs. The Greek word paideuō (παιδεύω), translated “instructing,” conveys the idea of disciplined training, much like the structured education of a child. God’s grace is intended to instruct and motivate the believer to “deny ungodliness and worldly desires.” When properly understood, grace leads to the rejection of human viewpoint, carnality, and the cosmos system that seeks to conform believers to its mold (Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:15-16).

Furthermore, grace instructs believers to “live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.” The word “sensibly” (sōphronōs, σωφρόνως) refers to self-discipline and objective thinking, aligning with divine viewpoint. “Righteously” (dikaiōs, δικαίως) pertains to just and upright conduct that aligns with God’s Word, and “godly” (eusebōs, εὐσεβῶς) emphasizes devotion to God. These virtues characterize the advancing believer who is positive to God and His Word and actively engaged in spiritual growth. The believer does not achieve this by human effort but through consistent intake and application of Bible doctrine under the filling of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16; Eph 5:18). Paul’s exhortation to Titus communicates the principle that grace, properly understood, leads to a disciplined, godly life, producing divine good that glorifies God in the devil’s world.

The Benefits of a Life of Obedience

A life of obedience by faith brings immense spiritual, mental, and practical benefits, aligning the believer with God’s perfect plan and opening the door to divine blessings that are given to the mature believer. The foundational principle is that obedience is not a legalistic burden but a response to grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in divine viewpoint (Rom 12:2; Gal 5:16). When believers walk by faith, applying God’s Word, they experience both immediate and long-term benefits.

First, obedience by faith results in spiritual growth that leads to maturity. As believers process and apply Bible doctrine, their thinking is transformed, producing wisdom, discernment, and stability in the spiritual life (Col 2:6-7; Heb 5:14). This leads to capacity for blessing, an increasing understanding of God’s will, and the ability to handle adversity with divine viewpoint rather than human emotion (James 1:2-4).

Second, obedience leads to inner peace and joy. Believers who abide in Christ experience the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, guarding their hearts and minds (Phil 4:7). Joy is not based on circumstances but on a growing relationship with the Lord, producing confidence in His sovereignty and provision (John 15:10-11). Instead of being tossed about by fears, anxieties, or external pressures, the obedient believer stands firm in faith, relying on God’s promises (Isa 26:3; Rom 8:28).

Third, a life of faith-based obedience results in divine protection and blessing. While this does not mean a life free from suffering, it does mean that suffering is purposeful, bringing spiritual refinement rather than destruction (Rom 5:3-5; 1 Pet 1:6-7). God protects obedient believers, guiding their steps, delivering them from unnecessary pitfalls, and ensuring they remain in the sphere of His provision (Psa 37:23-25; Prov 3:5-6). Those who obey by faith experience unique blessings that are reserved for the spiritually advancing believer—strength in trials, divine resources in weakness, and the assurance of eternal rewards (2 Cor 12:9-10; Rev 2:26).

Fourth, faith-driven obedience brings effectiveness in spiritual service. The believer who walks in obedience becomes a vessel for divine good, producing fruit that glorifies God (John 15:5). Whether in evangelism, teaching, encouragement, or service, their life becomes an instrument of grace, impacting others for eternity (Gal 6:10; Eph 2:10; 2 Tim 2:21). Rather than operating from human effort or self-righteousness, the obedient believer serves from a position of strength, empowered by the Holy Spirit and driven by love for God (Gal 5:22-23; 2 Cor 5:14-15).

Ultimately, obedience by faith results in eternal rewards and glorification at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The believer who consistently applies doctrine and executes God’s plan will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). While salvation is secured by grace alone through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9), rewards are contingent on faithfulness in the spiritual life (1 Cor 3:11-15). The obedient believer will share in Christ’s glory, ruling and reigning with Him in His coming kingdom (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 3:21).

In contrast, disobedience leads to divine discipline (Heb 12:6), and loss of rewards, for “If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss [of reward]; but he himself will be saved [eternally], yet so as through fire” (1 Cor 3:15). Obedience by faith is not about external morality but about alignment with divine truth, walking in the Spirit, and living with an eternal perspective. It is the highest and most fulfilling way to live, bringing glory to God and maximum blessing to the believer.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

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