Paul wrote to Titus that the “grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Blessed truth revealed to us in the first coming of Christ! This was accomplished for us in the past. For the present, this grace teaches us that we should shun ungodliness and live righteous and sober lives and thus “adorn,” or beautify, the doctrine of God’s grace. However, the message of Christianity does not end at the first coming of Christ or our present position in the world.

The Future: Titus was reminded of the bright prospect and glorious future of the Christian. The second coming is presented to us here in its two constituent parts: (1) the Rapture, and (2) the visible glorious appearing. What a blessed hope! The Lord Jesus may come for us at any moment, apart from any sign or event. There is no event between Christ and the Christian (1 Th. 4:15–17). He will come for us. But blessed be His name, following this we will also appear with Him (Col. 3:4; Rev. 19:14). When He comes for us, only the children of God will see Him and we will rejoice; at His appearing, however, “every eye will see Him” and the world will mourn (Rev. 1:7).

It is marvelous to see how Paul could take the great details of the Christian faith and give a panoramic view of its whole range and scope in a few brief sentences. He succinctly declares what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to happen.

We should be thankful for this synopsis of the great truths of the faith—a blessing for the early saints, who did not have completed copies of the Bible, and for us who do!