“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3:8)

Context is so vital in understanding the Scriptures. If you simply take and cut out the above verse and put it under the microscope, you might come away with the idea that our salvation is somehow gained or maintained by what we do or don’t do. However, broaden the scope of verse to what comes before and after and what you will find is that, “…this faithful saying…,” refers back to verse 7, “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” We do not become heirs of Eternal Life by what we do but by being justified by the Grace of God, exclusively in, through and by the LORD Jesus Christ and upon completion of His finished work at Calvary. This is the faithful saying that every true preacher of God affirms constantly. Jesus Christ did not come into the world to save the righteous as there are none, Romans 3:10.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of ALL acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save SINNERS...” (1 Timothy 1:15) Sinners by definition are nothing but sin in their persons and works, therefore they are unable to do anything, contribute anything or plead anything except that it brings them into condemnation, Romans 3:23. There must be the necessary work of the LORD Jesus Christ for their justification, as their Substitute. He did not come to attempt to save sinners, He saved them, Matthew 1:21. He did not render them savable on condition that they do something. HE SAVED THEM by His blood applied to their Spiritual account for forgiveness and His righteous obedience imputed to them for their righteousness, entirely accomplished once and for all in His cross death, 2 Corinthians 5:21.