What does Titus 3:7 mean?

This verse continues comments on salvation which Paul began in verse 4. Paul states that grace is what "justifies" us, meaning God's grace declares us forgiven, and reconciled to God. Justification is being made right with God. The New Testament continually states that this is the result of God's grace, not our works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Romans 3:24 notes that grace justifies us as a gift, through Christ. Romans 3:28 also states that faith, not following the law, leads to justification. The book of Romans was written about 10 years prior to this letter to Titus. So, these are teachings that Titus should be reminding people of (Titus 3:1).

It's important to understand that justification takes place by faith. The result is peace with God. Titus 3:7 also adds that we become inheritors of hope of eternal life. The phrase "we might," or "we may," as seen in the English translation, does not mean something unsure. It means that the opportunity for eternal life is the result of being justified by faith. Without faith, there is no justification; without justification, there is no salvation.

If obtaining eternal life depended on human goodness, no one would qualify. Only salvation by grace through faith makes eternal life possible. Likewise, referring to "hope" doesn't imply something which may or may not occur. Rather, eternity in heaven is something positive we anticipate.