LIVING BETWEEN THE TWO APPEARANCES

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13 ESV).

The apostle Paul instructed Titus how to live between the two appearances of Jesus. First, he called him to let the grace of God, which was revealed at Christ’s first coming, train him to live for God in the present age. What is this “present age?” It is the age between the two advents of Christ Jesus. For Christ has come and Christ is coming again.

Titus was to let the wondrous grace of God expressed in Christ’s first appearing motivate his way of life. Grace is God’s unmerited favor motivated by His love. As the gospel of John proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). We now live in this present age of grace.

Yet Paul also called Titus to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. He was to live as one saved by grace, while waiting in hope for Christ’s soon return. For Christ has come as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. And He is coming again as our glorious, great God and Savior to receive those that He has redeemed as His own possession and to judge the living and the dead.

In this present age, we live between the two appearances of Christ. Of all the most significant milestones in human history, none are greater than these two. Are you living with these two advents in mind?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we often lose sight of the significance of life. We try to be in control and avoid trouble, worrying over every concern. Or we try to avoid reality, medicating our pain or wasting our days in pleasure seeking. Yet, You have revealed Your plan to us. Your Son has appeared. He has promised to return. Lead us and strengthen us to live in view of His two appearances. In Jesus’ name, amen.