Truth #259 - We were created for good works - Titus

Titus 3:8
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Truth:  God saved us to do good works.

Note how the phrase "good works" is used in the following letter Paul wrote to young Pastor Titus:

Titus 2:7
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:13-14
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who 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 3:1
​Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

Titus 3:14
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Obviously Paul wants Titus (and us) to know that we have a purpose for our salvation and our life in Christ.  We are to be ready, devoted to, zealous, and be a model of good works.   If we think that might be said of the entire world, note the following out of this letter.  In writing about the unbeliever in these same words Paul states:

Titus 1:16
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.


The non-believer, according to Paul and inspired Scripture, is "un-fit" for good works.    The Greek word for "un-fit" "unapproved" after being tested.  You can't do good works if you can't pass the test to be approved to do them.  The only way you can pass the test is faith in Christ.   Therefore, unbelievers fail at every attempt they do in good works.  Believers were created for good works and accomplish them in the power and will of the Savior.   One last verse to seal these thoughts:

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.