Titus, Part TwoSample

Only because of God's mercy are we saved

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” (Titus 3:3-5)

Paul takes the time to describe himself and his fellow believers as they were before God saved them. He wants to clarify that their salvation was not due to their “works done in righteousness.” For they had none. Paul himself didn’t, and neither did his readers or anyone else. Isaiah also mentioned this centuries earlier: “all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6).

The enumeration Paul gives isn’t pleasing for great egos. It is a shameful list, but unfortunately accurate. This is how people are of themselves. This is what we are all like deep within.

Unless God intervenes “according to His own mercy.”

Zechariah sings about this. He praises “the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:78-79). We are in this darkness by our own fault. But God's love shines right into the darkness and offers us salvation as an undeserved gift.

Are you willing to admit that Paul’s shameful list also applies to you? Then don't stay at that point, but joyfully accept the gift God offers you: His loving kindness!