until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ: The letters to Timothy and Titus describe Christ's comings, both past and future, as “epiphanies” or “appearances” (2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13). An epiphany is a divine intervention at a specific historical moment. The church exists between these past and future appearances of Christ.
Christ’s first saving epiphany allowed for a new life. His future epiphany will bring final salvation. Although the present is evil, our anticipation of Christ’s appearance encourages us to live a life pleasing to God now (the “later times,” 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–9). False teachers allowed sinful behaviors because they believed the resurrection had already happened (2 Timothy 2:18). Paul clarifies that salvation has started but is not yet complete. Being part of God’s household requires responsible conduct in the light of Christ’s past, present, and future saving work (1 Timothy 3:15–16; Titus 2:11–14).