Paul has an interesting and helpful juxtaposition in Titus 3:5,8. First he rips off one of his grand statements about our salvation. We are not saved "by works of righteousness," he writes, "but according to his mercy he saved us." Lest we then assume that works are over and done with, he quickly follows up in verse 8 with "I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works (KJV)."
Works are evidence that we are followers of Christ; they come from a heart that has been changed and wants to serve Christ by serving others. We are not saved by works of righteousness; we are saved by God's mercy. Good works, then, flows from the mercy that God has lavished upon us.
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