Christians Are A Special People

Paul wrote the following about Christ in Titus 2:14, "...Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

A tremendously expensive price has been paid by our Lord that we might become His very own. He freely gave Himself for us. His death on the cross was like that of a criminal; yet, He committed no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. No one could convict Him of sin. One of His own chosen disciples betrayed Him to those who wanted to kill Him. He was removed from the garden that night and shuffled back and forth between different rulers for a series of illegal trials. It was there that He experienced loneliness and untold agonies of inhuman brutalities while His disciples fled. He endured the pain and agony of the cross, and when dying, prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

His purpose in giving up His life was that He might redeem us from all iniquity. All have sinned and the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Christ died for us; the penalty for our sins was paid. He freely gave Himself, died in our stead, in order to purify or free us from the guilt of sin. 

Every Christian should understand the honor and obligation of living a clean Christ-honoring life. 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."

Thus, His own possession is a special people. Christians are peculiar because Christians are zealous of good works. Christians are created in Christ for good works. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10). Let us show our appreciation for what Christ did for us by living up to our calling.