“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
(Titus 2:14)

God’s Word tells all of us who believe and rest in Christ for all salvation that He “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)

To be “zealous of good works” means to be ready, eager, and willing as recipients and instruments of God’s power and grace in Christ through and by Whom He works in us to bring forth works of grace, love, and gratitude in obedience to Him to the praise of the glory of His grace. One version translates it as being “on fire with good works.” How can we be “zealous,” even on fire, for “good works” for the glory of God when there is still so much of sin and self within us to draw us away by the lusts of the flesh? This zeal of good works is a passion imparted to us by the Holy Spirit as He gives us a new heart and inspires us with a saving view of God’s grace towards us in that Christ “gave Himself for us” to “redeem us from all iniquity.” This is salvation unto glory accomplished, NOT by our works, but by Christ in HIS work of obedience unto death to put away our sins by His blood and give us righteousness that is imputed or charged to us. All “good works” and zeal for “good works” are the product and fruit of God’s grace in Christ. As believers struggle in the warfare of the flesh and the Spirit, how is this zeal maintained? It is maintained by God’s grace in keeping our eyes upon Christ and what He has accomplished and secured for us. This zeal grows as we see more of the glory of Christ and God’s mercy and grace towards us in and by Him.