A Debt Paid Yet Owing

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Several posts ago, I commented on our service to the Lord by saying that WHO we serve will make all the difference when it comes to our attitude toward that service and whether or not we quit when the going gets tough.

Here is the book of Titus, another “why?” pops out of Paul’s encouragement to yet another younger pastor.

Chapter 3 begins with the contrast between what we were and what we are and reminds us that the proof of any life-change brought about by the Spirit of God is found in how that life is lived out. Then Paul wraps up the reason for the life-change in these stirring statements:

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of 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 3:5-7).

Titus obviously knew all this information, so why set it down in the letter?

This summary of the Gospel reminds Titus of why he is “keeping on keeping on.” What God did for Titus, and us, on the cross through Jesus Christ, is not only the foundation of our faith, but the reason for our service,

It is also why we work to live out the new life that God has given us. Paul goes on to say: “...I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone” (3:8).

We have a debt to God that we can never repay. But it isn’t the debt that drives us as much as it is the gratitude that rises from our our hearts that the debt has already BEEN paid by Jesus.