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Outline 085 of 100 · Titus

Not by Works of Righteousness

Titus 3:3-7 — Salvation by mercy alone, transforming the whole life

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Paul reminds Titus of what believers once were — foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, hateful, hating one another. Then comes the great turn: 'But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.' This is perhaps the most explicit anti-works statement in the New Testament, immediately followed by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Justification and regeneration are held together: we are 'justified by his grace' so that we might be made 'heirs according to the hope of eternal life.' Grace is never opposed to good works in Titus, only to works as the ground of acceptance — believers are then urged to be careful to maintain good works, which flow from, rather than earn, salvation.

  1. I. The condition before grace

    • Foolish, disobedient, deceived (3:3)
    • Serving divers lusts and pleasures
    • Living in malice and envy, hateful and hating

  2. II. The appearing of God's kindness

    • The kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared
    • Not by works of righteousness which we have done
    • According to His mercy He saved us

  3. III. The washing and renewal

    • The washing of regeneration
    • The renewing of the Holy Ghost
    • Poured out abundantly through Jesus Christ

  4. IV. The result: heirs of hope

    • Justified by His grace
    • Made heirs according to the hope of eternal life
    • Careful to maintain good works as fruit, not root
The appeal

Whatever you once were, the kindness and love of God has appeared to save you — not because of anything you have done, but according to His mercy. Will you receive that mercy today and let it wash and renew you?

Key points

  • Salvation comes by God's mercy, explicitly not by works of righteousness.
  • Justification and the washing of regeneration are inseparably joined.
  • Good works follow salvation as fruit, never as its foundation.

Key passages

  • Titus 3:3-5
  • Titus 3:6-7
  • Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Romans 3:24