February 13

He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. — Titus 2:14 BSB

How can anyone who knows the blessedness of Christ’s atoning blood, redeeming love, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit continue in sin, thinking that grace will abound? Doctrinal professors may act this way, for mere knowledge of the truth does not free them from the power of sin.

But for the living soul in whom God is working His grace, can they trample underfoot the cross of the suffering Son of God? It’s impossible for someone who has personally experienced the redeeming power of Christ’s blood, whose conscience is made tender in the fear of God, to deliberately crucify Him again while under the influence of His love.

That’s not to say a believer won’t fall into sin and temptation, as David and Peter did. But when the Holy Spirit is working to bring near the blood, grace, and love of Christ, there will be no willful sinning against Him. Let’s not forget that the suffering Son of God gave Himself to purify a people who are distinct—people with thoughts fixed on God, with affections set on things above, whose prayers are stirred by the Spirit, whose sorrows are spiritual, whose joys are heavenly, whose hopes are anchored within the veil, and whose expectations are not for this marred world, but for the kingdom of God.

If they are peculiar inwardly, they should also be peculiar outwardly. Their lives should show they are a people set apart by walking in the footsteps of the Lamb, taking up their cross, denying themselves, and living for the honor and glory of God.