Titus 3:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

NIV: so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

NASB: so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

CSB: so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

NLT: Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

KJV: That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

NKJV: that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

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.

Titus 3:4–7 is a poetic description of how God saves us. Rather than depending on our good deeds, God rescues us on the basis of His mercy. When a person accepts Christ, they experience “regeneration,” meaning a spiritual cleansing. God generously gives us the Holy Spirit and forgives our sin through His grace.

Paul reminds Titus of seven positive behaviors, and seven contrasting sins, which he is to insist on teaching correctly. False teachers are to be cut off, not given a public platform. Believers are not to waste time bickering, but focus on good works and urgent needs. This passage also explains how salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace, not our own good deeds.

Titus chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explained the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture. Through goodness and peace, we are to make a positive impact, so people will see Christ in us.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.