Maintain Good Works

Twice in the third chapter of Titus Paul urged the need to "maintain good works" (verses 8, 14). He had earlier taught brethren to "be ready to every good work" (verse 1). God has determined good works. What man thinks is good may not please God (Matthew 25). The work we do must have God's approval and authority for it to be called good.

We are not only to start good work and be zealous and maintain good works, we are created unto good works (Eph. 2:10). Good works show our faith to be alive (Jas. 2:17)..

Even so, good works, though necessary to serving God, is not the basis for our salvation (Titus 3:5). The merit for our salvation is with Christ, not our good works. This does not diminish the need of good works but helps us keep them in proper perspective. We cannot be saved without them, but we cannot be saved by them standing alone. Our salvation is ultimately dependent on His blood.