Salvation and Good Works

“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 vital in understanding Scripture. If you simply take this verse and put it under a 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 this 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 [Christ Jesus].‟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 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 and therefore, unable to do anything, contribute anything or plead anything except for what brings condemnation: “For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Therefore, it was needful for the work of the LORD Jesus Christ as their Substitute. He did not come to attempt to save sinners, He saved them: “And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins...” (Matthew 1:21)He did not render them savable, on condition that they do something. HE SAVED THEM. When revealed in the heart of one whom the Spirit of God has regenerated, they are caused to believe God and be careful to maintain good works. Having been justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, sanctified by His blood and righteousness alone and regenerated by the Spirit of God, it causes us to live, move and labor for His glory and honor in all things and the advancement of His Gospel in a lost and ungodly world.

Good works are not in order to earn our salvation but rather are the fruit and manifestation of that salvation that the LORD earned for His own: “Remembering without ceasing your work of Faith [Christ Jesus], and labour of Love [Christ Jesus] and patience of Hope [Christ Jesus] in our LORD Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father...” (1 Thessalonians 1:3) These good works they maintain are powered by the Holy Spirit and give Christ ALL the glory.

Christ our Eternal Life!

Praise Him alone!