If you think this is about a banker from Bedford Falls, it is not. It is about a guilty sinner becoming a glorious saint because he met a gracious Savior who appeared on earth from Heaven (Titus 3:3-7). It is part of a letter Paul wrote to Titus, wherein he reminds him of the time when Jesus Christ appeared and what that means to believers. Notice three tenses in this text.

In the past tense, remember what you were then. Titus 3:3 reads, “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.” Remember what it was to be lost. Paul refers to a guilty sinner. There is an appreciation of love. Titus 3:4a reads, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared.” Galatians 4:4-5 reads, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In the present tense, remember what you are now. Titus 3:4b-7a reads, “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace.” Jesus Christ is a gracious Savior. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). James Culross recounts as William Carey, the great missionary statesman, was dying, he said with a feeble voice, “Mr. Duff, you have been speaking about Dr. Carey, Dr. Carey. When I am gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey - speak only about Dr. Carey’s Savior.” All because the Christ of Christmas became the Christ of Calvary! Many gift cards you receive need to be activated. The gift of God’s Son for our forgiveness of sin is no exception. There is an activation by faith. Romans 5:1-2 reads, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

In the future tense, remember what you will be. Titus 3:7b reads, “we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” There is an anticipation in hope. Remember you will be heirs in glory. Paul refers to a glorified saint. Romans 8:30b reads, “whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Believer don’t lose the wonder! It’s a wonderful life!

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah".