Titus – Living in Light of the Cross – 2011 – Canberra, AUS

The life of faith is a spiritual journey beginning at the moment of new birth (regeneration) through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and continuing onward and upward from spiritual infancy—through the stages of spiritual growth— into maturity and beyond. I refer to it as the journey “from the cross to the crown.”

The little book of Titus, one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” provides a short-course on the life of faith. As we explore the great and timeless truth contained in this epistle, we will refer again and again to the “life of faith” and the journey “from the cross to the crown,” and to the many promises and provisions supplied by God in His matchless grace for those who choose to live in the light of the cross.

This was the subject of the Spring 2011 Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Gene Cunningham - February 3, 2003

Titus #3

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Faith of an individual and election of them by God come together at the point of salvation (Tit 1:1). Christ's mission (Luk 19:10) was "seek and save the lost" (Mat 28:19-20). Grace means God's unmerited favor to those not worthy. God's purpose in election is organization. Greek "eklektos" means to "call out". Error is to assume that "chosen ones" have merit. We share in Christ's election (Eph 1:6). Peter writes to those "scattered" by persecution - meaning seeds being sown (Act 8:4, 1Pe 1:1-2). "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God". Election is a divine undertaking of the Father's plan (foreknowledge - Rom 8:29), and Spirit's work. We share His holiness (2Co 5:21, 1Pe 1:15-16) -- we are elect, given election by our belief. Jesus Christ was treated horribly, but was God's choice (1Pe 2:4-5). "Coming to Him..." we become a "living stone, elect and precious". God's choice is His Son; our choice is Christ; we share union; we are chosen (1Pe 2:6-8). Election involves 3 things (1Pe 2:9-10): (1) salvation; (2) privilege; (3) service.

Scripture References: Romans 8:29, Acts 8:4, Ephesians 1:6, Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 19:10, Titus 1:1