Titus, Part Two预览

Living in freedom

“[Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)

Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ belongs to His people. This is pure grace, for our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, chose to be unfaithful to God and to side with His adversary, the devil. Since then, every human being has been trapped in the power of the devil, lawlessness, and death. It cost Jesus His life to redeem us.

In the Old Testament, God promised the people of Israel, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). The New Testament makes it clear that this promise applies not only to Israel but to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. He is forming a new people for Himself made up of individuals from all nations and from every country on earth.

Jesus cleanses us from our guilt. And He releases us from the suffocating power of sin and death. When you are ransomed by Him from lawlessness, you can say “no” to sin and “be zealous for good works.” In your own strength, you will never achieve that.

Do you already belong to the people of God? How does that define your life?