Not by works of righteousness.
—Titus 3:5
Righteousness here represents man’s futile efforts to satisfy God by His deeds. A self-established righteousness, however, is obnoxious to God. “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) to a righteous God. The fine linen which is the righteousness of saints is not self-provided, but divinely bestowed. Alas, multitudes are trying hard to help God save them, and to win their way to heaven. By their morality, good deeds, and even religious activities, they feel that favor is being gained. Would that their blind eyes could be opened to discover that righteousness is a gift! And yet, while Paul scorns all works of human righteousness, he yet exhorts the truly saved to be careful to maintain good works.