In last week’s passage, Paul began a very succinct statement of the gospel message. In this week’s passage he completes that thought, giving us the promise of eternity.

You can see this passage for yourself in Titus 3:6-7:

In the previous verses, Paul stated that God, out of love, saved us, not because of our own efforts, but through his mercy. He did this through the Holy Spirit, at baptism, accomplishing the renewal of our lives into something much more attuned to him.

In these two verses, Paul continues his thoughts on the gift of the Holy Spirit that God gives us. It is notable that this gift of the Holy Spirit comes from God, through Christ. Here we have a glimpse of the Triune nature of the Godhead, at work in our lives to bring about our salvation.

This gift of the Holy Spirit is poured generously into our lives. This is no trivial matter. This is a massive blessing from God into our lives, accomplishing much more than we usually realize.

In fact, Paul gives us three things in verse 7 that help us to realize just what the Holy Spirit gives us.

Justification

“Having been justified by his grace…” Paul uses this metaphor frequently, especially in Romans, and it brings to mind the courtroom. To be justified is the exact opposite of being condemned. Once we were sinners; now we have been made righteous, declared guilt free. God sacrificed Christ on the cross to be our substitute, to take the guilt and the punishment on our behalf in order to exonerate us. Sin and guilt have been removed and paid for. God’s demand for justice is satisfied.

Inheritance

“We might become heirs…” Because of that justification, we have been adopted into the family. We are considered as sons, in line for the inheritance from God. And although we have not received this in full yet, one day we will. Peter gives us a glimpse into the reality of this inheritance in 1 Peter 1:3-5, showing us that it cannot perish, spoil or fade, and is in heaven, waiting for us.

Eternity

“Having the hope of eternal life.” When we submitted to Christ’s Lordship and accepted his work on our behalf at baptism, our eternal life began. But while we are in this mortal life, the eternal seems vague. We look forward to it, longingly, with the solid assurance that only our hope in Christ can give us. The author of Hebrews broadens our understanding of this hope in Hebrews 6:17-20.

These few verses provide one of the most encouraging portions of the letter to Titus, and stand out even through the whole of the Pastoral Epistles. This is the message of the gospel. This is what Christ accomplished. Though Paul states this very briefly, and with few words, the impact of these four verses is significant.

The question remains: What are you going to do with this?

Question: Of the three things Paul mentions here, which one resonates with you the strongest? Why? You can leave a comment by clicking here.