By Pastor Kemi Anjorin

Titus 2:11 “God’s marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone.”

The gift of salvation is a universal offer that doesn’t discriminate based on race, culture, or background. This profound gift reflects the all-encompassing love of God, who desires to draw every individual, regardless of their differences, into a meaningful relationship with the divine. There is no exclusivity in this invitation; it’s extended to all of humanity.

God’s love isn’t selective; it’s an inclusive force that seeks to bring people closer to Him. Regardless of who we are or where we come from, God’s love embraces us. His mercy, which is a central aspect of salvation, is not limited to a certain group or category of people. It’s a gift meant for all.

However, to fully receive this gift, there’s a call for readiness and willingness on our part. Being ready entails a state of openness and preparedness to accept God’s offer of salvation. It’s a conscious choice to align our hearts and minds with the divine grace that’s being extended to us. This readiness implies understanding the significance of what’s being offered and making a deliberate decision to embrace it.

The profound concept of God’s mercy further reinforces this understanding. Salvation provides us with forgiveness of sins but also is also a manifestation of God’s boundless mercy towards humankind. Salvation is not a transactional outcome, but rather a reflection of God’s compassion and willingness to extend grace to those who believe. This grace is received through faith, our efforts alone cannot merit salvation. Instead, it is the unmerited favor of God that grants us this divine gift.

One of the most illustrative narratives that embodies the theme of God’s gracious visitation is the story of Zacchaeus found in the Gospel of Luke. Zacchaeus, a tax collector known for his unethical practices, sought to see Jesus despite societal judgments. Climbing a tree to gain a glimpse of the Savior passing through, Zacchaeus’s earnestness demonstrated his desire for a transformative encounter. Jesus, aware of his heart’s intentions, extended compassion and grace, prompting Zacchaeus to repent and pledge to make amends for his wrongdoings. At its core, the story of Zacchaeus underscores the significance of an individual’s strong desire for salvation. Zacchaeus’s willingness to overcome societal barriers and his fervent belief that encountering Jesus could lead to his redemption speaks to the transformative power of faith. So salvation is not only about the remission of sins but also about the restoration of a broken relationship with God.

Similarly, the account of the woman with the issue of blood, also found in the Gospel of Luke, showcases the significance of faith in experiencing God’s healing touch. This woman, suffering from a debilitating condition for years, demonstrated unwavering faith by reaching out to touch Jesus’ garment. Her faith was her conduit to healing, as Jesus commended her for her trust and pronounced her whole. Both stories collectively emphasize that faith is the key that unlocks the door to God’s gracious visitation. The faith displayed by Zacchaeus and the woman exemplifies the principle articulated in Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Their stories show that salvation is not a matter of personal accomplishment but rather a divine exchange facilitated by faith.

The above two stories illustrate how God’s grace intersects with our faith. They exemplify the truth that the gift of salvation is universal and that faith serves as the conduit through which Christians can experience God’s transformative power. Just as Zacchaeus and the woman with the issue of blood encountered God’s gracious visitation through their unwavering faith, so too can believers today witness the mighty hand of God at work in their lives when faith becomes the driving force of their relationship with God.

Pastor Kemi Anjorin is an Associate Pastor at Fountain Of The Living Word Church, New Jersey.