The Lord's Special People

When Paul wrote to Titus he said "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11-14).  I love this passage because it describes Christians as the Lord's own special people.  Paul said these are people who are zealous about doing good works. It is amazing how many sit around are argue if good works are necessary for salvation. It seems pretty obvious that Christ desires that His people be diligent about doing good works.  This passage also teaches that it is the grace of God that brings salvation. In no way am I attempting to argue that I can do enough good works so that Christ is indebted to me and owes me salvation. It is God's grace that brings salvation. However, this does not free me from doing good works and I should not want it to.  We as Christians should desire to do good works and should be busy about doing them. The very grace that brings salvation teaches us to do good works.  Paul mentioned that God's grace should teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust. It should teach us to live soberly, righteously, and godly. And this grace should teach us to look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Christ.  As the Lords own special people we should long for that day when our Lord returns to take us home with Him. This day will come because the Lord bestows His grace on us. Because this day is coming and we understand the grace of our Lord let us be His special people, zealous for doing good works.

Garrett Bookout