Definition: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Titus 2:14. It’s a really beautiful and powerful statement about God’s love and how He chooses to protect us. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: God willingly gave himself up for our sake – that is, He sacrificed Himself for our good. Let's unpack that a little further: “Who gave himself for us…” This means God didn’t just allow to happen; He actively chose to be offered as a sacrifice. Think of it like a selfless act of love. “…that he might redeem us from all iniquity…” “Iniquity” is a fancy word that means "sin" or "evil." This verse says God’s giving Himself was to remove our sin and evil from the world. He’s actively working to free us from temptation, wrongdoing, and bad habits. “…and purify unto himself a peculiar people…” This is the really significant part! “Purify” means to make something clean and pure. God isn't just trying to remove the bad; He wants to improve our character and set us apart as a group that’s dedicated to doing good. He’s creating a special, chosen group – a "peculiar people" – who are focused on loving God and helping others. So, what does it mean for us? It means: God loves us so much that He puts Himself at risk, willingly sacrificing His own life to protect us from sin and evil. It encourages us to be a better person, to strive for good deeds, and to live a life that honors God. In short, it’s a powerful reminder of God’s unconditional love and the importance of living a righteous life. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this verse or perhaps explore why this concept is important in the Bible?