Titus 3:7 - so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:7 speaks of the incredible hope we have as believers in Jesus Christ. This hope is rooted in the fact that we have been justified by God's grace. To be justified means to be declared righteous in God's sight. It is a legal term that means we have been acquitted of all charges against us and stand before God completely forgiven and accepted. This justification is not something we have earned or deserved. As Paul explains earlier in Titus 3, we were once foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another (v.3). But God in his great mercy and love saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy (v.4-5). God's grace, his unmerited favor, is what has justified us and made us right with him. And the result is that we have become heirs with the hope of eternal life. An heir is someone who has been designated to receive an inheritance. As God's children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We have an eternal inheritance waiting for us in heaven that can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:4). This is the hope that we have as believers. It is not an uncertain wish, but a confident assurance in God's promises. No matter what trials, struggles or suffering we face in this life, we know that eternal life and glory awaits us. This hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19). It enables us to persevere and to live with joy, peace and purpose even in difficult times. As those who have been justified by grace, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23). Let us give thanks to God for his indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). And let us live in light of eternity, using our time and talents to love God, serve others, and point people to the hope found in Christ alone.

The truth that we are justified by grace and have the hope of eternal life should radically transform how we live. So often, we can be tempted to try to earn God's favor and acceptance through our own efforts. We think that if we just work harder, do more good deeds, and avoid sin, then we will be right with God. But Titus 3:7 reminds us that our standing with God is not based on our performance but on Christ's finished work on our behalf. When we truly grasp the gospel of grace, it frees us from the burden of trying to measure up. We no longer have to prove ourselves or earn God's love. We can rest in the fact that we are fully known and fully loved by God. His acceptance of us is not fickle or fleeting, but steadfast and sure. We belong to him forever as his beloved children. At the same time, the hope we have in Christ should motivate us to live differently. If this life is all there is, then it makes sense to live for ourselves and to pursue comfort, pleasure and success at all costs. But if we have an eternal inheritance waiting for us, then our priorities and perspective change. We realize that this world is not our ultimate home and that the things of this life will not last. Instead, we are called to live with eternity in view. We are to set our hearts and minds on things above, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 6:19-20). We are to use our time, talents, and resources to glorify God, serve others, and make an eternal impact. We are to persevere through trials and suffering, knowing that they are temporary and are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). This doesn't mean that we never enjoy the good gifts God gives us in this life. But it does mean holding them with an open hand, not allowing them to become idols that we worship and serve. It means being willing to sacrifice and take risks for the sake of the gospel. It means living with a sense of urgency and purpose, making the most of every opportunity to love God and love others (Ephesians 5:15-16). As we fix our eyes on Jesus and the hope we have in him, it enables us to live with joy, peace, and courage no matter what circumstances we face. We know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). We know that God is working all things together for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28). We know that nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). So let us hold fast to the hope we have in Christ. Let us encourage one another with these truths and spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). Let us live in such a way that shows the world where our hope and treasure truly lie. And let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, until the day when faith becomes sight and we see him face to face (Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the incredible hope we have in Christ. Thank you that because of your great love and mercy, you have justified us by your grace and made us your children. We did not earn or deserve this salvation, but you freely gave it to us through Christ's finished work on the cross. Forgive us for the times we have tried to earn your favor through our own efforts. Forgive us for placing our hope in the temporary things of this world rather than in you. Help us to grasp the depth of your love for us and to rest in our identity as your beloved sons and daughters. Give us an eternal perspective, Lord. Help us to live with heaven in view, storing up treasures that will last forever. Give us the courage to take risks for your kingdom and to use all that you have given us for your glory and the good of others. When we face trials and suffering, remind us of the hope we have and give us the strength to persevere. May our lives be a reflection of the hope we profess. May we shine as lights in this dark world, pointing others to the hope found in you alone. Keep us faithful and focused until the day when our faith becomes sight and we see you face to face. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, our living hope. Amen.