Titus 2:14 says that Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” The verse opens with what we might consider a typical presentation of the gospel: “Who gave Himself for us to redeem us” – but then it follows with an important description: “From every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people … zealous for good deeds.”

So those who are saved have been bought FROM lawless deeds, and will be “zealous” FOR good deeds.” “Zealous for good deeds” should be the mark of the Christian. There should be no lack of good deeds on our part, due to a false understanding of the gracious nature of the gospel. We are bought by the blood of Christ, not merely to sit back and glory in our salvation by grace through faith, but to turn from our evil deeds, and to be zealous for good ones. Anything less should cause an evaluation of whether we have truly been redeemed.