Saved by Faith
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; NIV 2011
What I really love about this verse in Titus is that it emphasizes our TOTAL need for God's mercy. This Scripture (along with many, many others) puts us all in the same boat. Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Every one of us are in desperate need of God's mercy and no one can boast before God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Even in Psalm 23:3 it says 'He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.'
God saves us not because we are so good but because HE is so good. We can find a resting place for our souls and God gets the credit. There is no place for us to get a ruler and see if we measure up to stand before God, we will all need to bend the knee and trust on His mercy. The sad thing is that many reject this offer.
Further on in the book of Titus (Titus 3:8) it affirms that we do need to be diligent to do good to others but this comes from a heart of love and rest, we don't have to prove anything by our good works. Here's the verse - This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
So we are saved by God's love and mercy shown in Christ, there is no need to strive. We are saved so we can freely do things that show a sincere love for others. No pride, no comparisons, just a humble and thankful trust that overflows in sincere love for God and others.
Created about 2 years ago
