"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
The Apostle Paul was a wordsmith. He not only crafted new words, but he liked using long sentences that were teeming with meaning. In fact, our verse for today is the last phrase in a long sentence. He begins in verse nine, and the sentence ends in verse 14. Please take the time to read these essential thoughts. In our verse for today, we will find two reasons why God has chosen to redeem us.
“Who gave himself for us.”
God has redeemed us! This is speaking of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 13). Salvation for the soul can only come from God. There is no way that man can save himself. And there is no pastor priest or pope, nor church that can save a soul. Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Please note that Jesus gave himself willingly to go to the cross for our sins. His sacrifice was not forced. He went to the cross because of his love for the Father and for us the sinners.
“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4; see also Galatians 2:20, 1 Timothy 2:6).
“Every word of this description of Jesus’ work is important. Jesus gave, which means it was voluntary. He gave Himself, which means Jesus gave all He could give. And He gave Himself for us, which means Jesus was given as a substitute for sinful man” [1] (Guzik).
“That He might redeem us from all iniquity.”
God has redeemed us from all sin! When God takes care of man’s need, He is thorough. This word “iniquity” is the New Testament word that means lawlessness.
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).
People have figured out how to break God’s law in every way possible. But the good news is He has forgiveness for all lawbreakers. We who were once lawbreakers he has redeemed!
“And purify unto himself a peculiar people.”
God has redeemed us to be his special people! Isn’t it amazing how God can love sinners and give His Son to die in their place? The Sinless died for the sinner! The Just for the unjust! The Spotless for the filthy!
And not only this, but he has made us His people!
“The word we have translated special (periousios) is interesting. It means reserved for, and it was specially used for that part of the spoils of a battle or a campaign which the king who had conquered set apart especially for himself.” [2] (Barclay)
Just a reminder, He has reserved us for himself. We belong to the King!
“Zealous of good works.”
His people are well known to love and serve God with a deep passion. In fact, there is no other way to serve God acceptably. To serve God without loving Him is hypocritical. And to serve God halfheartedly never gets His praise, only His condemnation. Our best is the only thing worth giving our God. Granted, our best, as flawed humans isn’t really that great. But our best, coming from a heart with genuine love and praise for God is what He wants from us. He can take our best and use it for His glory.
[1] Guzik, David. David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Barclay, as quoted by David Guzik, ibid.