Titus 2:14
"Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
In this verse, Paul addresses Titus, his fellow laborer, emphasizing the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice in the salvation of sinners—specifically, those chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world (a peculiar people). It underscores that the Lord Jesus willingly gave Himself to redeem His elect from sin. He did not merely offer salvation but obtained it, creating a people declared righteous through the imputed righteousness He earned and established and God the Father imputed to their spiritual account at the cross. These redeemed and called sinners are eager to glorify God for their salvation, which is evidenced by good works produced in and through them by the Spirit of Grace. This passage also reflects the sanctifying work of Christ’s death, setting His people apart according to God’s purpose and glory, enabling them to live in a way that reflects His grace.
The Gospel presents Christ as the victorious Savior, who gave Himself—not out of mere sympathy for sinners, but because of the mercy and grace of God the Father and the necessity of establishing a just satisfaction for sin. This satisfaction was for those whom the Father purposed to save before the foundation of the world. The Good News is that Christ’s death was not merely an attempt to save as many as possible, but rather the redemption of every individual whom the Father purposed to save and gave to His Son. Christ Himself declared, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day” (John 6:39).
When Scripture states “that He might redeem us from all iniquity," the word "that" reveals the purpose of His coming. His mission was not to attempt to save everyone indiscriminately, but rather to redeem us—God’s elect (Titus 1:1). The phrase "that He might redeem" does not imply uncertainty. In Greek, this entire phrase consists of just two words, which could be better translated as "in order to redeem" or "with the purpose of redeeming." Has God ever failed in what He has purposed to do? There is no doctrine more dishonoring than one suggesting that God intended to save sinners who, in the end, are not delivered. That could never be! (Isaiah 42:1-4).
However, there is another crucial aspect of this text that deserves careful attention. Christ’s death not only redeems from the curse of sin but also its power and, ultimately, from its presence in glory (2 Corinthians 1:10). Scripture declares, "...and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." To purify means that believers are both justified (declared righteous) before a holy God by the death of His Son and sanctified (set apart unto holiness) by the gracious work of the Spirit of God in their hearts. This sanctification is founded in Christ's death, Who has already set them apart by His shed blood (John 17:19).
The term "peculiar people" does not mean "odd" but rather "purchased." Because they have been bought with a Price, they are not their own (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23). These purchased people are identified as those whose minds, wills, and affections belong to Christ. Their thoughts are drawn to Him; their affections are fixed on Him; their hope and expectation rest entirely in Him. Their joy is not dependent on anything in themselves or this sin-marred world, but rather, it is found in Christ alone. Thus, they live their lives for His honor, praise, and glory.
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