There are many difficult passages in the Word of God, and there are doctrines that are sometimes hard for us to articulate or even understand. The apostle Peter agreed with this assessment when he spoke about the apostle Paul’s writings, saying that they are “hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:15–16). Therefore, we must patiently study the Bible, meditate upon its contents, and “line upon line” learn the doctrines of grace.

As true as the above statement is, there are many remarkable exceptions to this, not the least of which is Paul’s statement in Titus 2:11–13. This passage gives us a magnificent summary or synopsis of Christianity, revealing the overarching message of the Bible. It is a clear example of the simplicity and clarity of the Scriptures. Paul sums up the Christian message in three succinct thoughts which include a past, a present, and a future.

The Past\i0: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared.” This is a reference to Christ’s first appearing and its purpose (cf. Heb. 9:26). God’s grace was fully revealed at the coming of the Lord Jesus into the world. “Christianity is known by what it brings, not by what it finds” (J. N. Darby). Christ’s work on the cross reveals that God is no longer seeking a righteousness from man—this is what the Law did—but rather, has provided a righteousness for man. Wonderful grace, the free “gift of righteousness” (Rom. 5:17; cf. Phil. 3:9)! Salvation has appeared for “all men.” It was not restricted to the house of Israel but was for “all people” (Lk. 2:10). May we daily grow in our appreciation of such grace!