Titus

Just went through the book of Titus in my quiet times... these two passages are my favorite. I'm putting the one from chapter 3 first:

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7

I love how this passage emphasizes grace - God saved us because of his "goodness and loving kindness," not because of anything we've done.

Then here's a passage from chapter 2:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14

So even though we are saved by God's grace alone and no good work we could ever do could add anything to our salvation, that grace actually works in us to produce good works, not because we're earning our salvation, but because we've been "brought salvation."

I love how Titus spurs us on to good works, but in light of the fact that ultimately our works never add to our salvation, but overflow from it.