"Look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ 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 2:13-14) This is the promise of salvation to those of us who accept Jesus as our Saviour and King, and similarly follow in His Word.
Admittedly, it was not always this way. From the beginning of time, each and every one of us -- like Adam and Eve -- failed miserably, falling short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) As a consequence, none are righteous -- not one -- save Jesus. However, our heavenly Father chose not to abandon us to our own earthly vices. Even when we were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, our Lord loved us -- willingly becoming our Saviour.
"The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in His heart, "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done." (Genesis 8:21) Rather, the Lord God became our Saviour, shedding His precious holy spirit blood on the cross for our transgressions.
"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, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
That [therefore] being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:3-7)
Thus, when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things shall be added unto you -- purified unto Himself a peculiar people. (Matthew 6:33) Stand in the offering plate.
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