11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Titus 2:22-12 ESV
There is a famous candy manufactured by the Ferrara Candy Company named "Now and Later". The name is meant to suggest that customers eat some of the enclosed taffy right away and save some for later. Today's verse is a Now and Later for Christians.
God's grace guarantees a place Heaven to all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. That is the "Later" part of salvation. But there is also a "Now" part of salvation.
The "Now" of salvation includes many things. Paul writes about training which will enable us to live a life pleasing to God and beneficial to man. That training will give us the strength, knowledge, and wisdom to avoid sin, live self-controlled and godly.
Through God's training, we are no longer a slave to sin. Passions can be redirected. Impulses controlled. Thoughts purified.
The "Later" of that heavenly home is the ultimate payoff, but the "Now" which gives us the ability to live a godly life is what will point others toward Christ.
Both halves of the Christian life are causes for joy and celebration.
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