Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Not {G3756} by {G1537} works {G2041} of {G1722} righteousness {G1343} which {G3739} we {G2249} have done {G4160}, but {G235} according to {G2596} his {G846} mercy {G1656} he saved {G4982} us {G2248}, by {G1223} the washing {G3067} of regeneration {G3824}, and {G2532} renewing {G342} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151};

he delivered us. It was not on the ground of any righteous deeds we had done, but on the ground of his own mercy. He did it by means of the mikveh of rebirth and the renewal brought about by the Ruach HaKodesh,

He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Titus 3:5 encapsulates the core of Christian salvation, clearly articulating that humanity's redemption is entirely a work of divine grace and mercy, not human effort or merit.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's practical instructions to Titus concerning the conduct of believers in Crete. In the preceding verses (Titus 3:1-3), Paul encourages Christians to live peaceably, obediently, and gently towards all people, reminding them of their own past sinful and foolish lives. Verse 5 then serves as a crucial theological foundation for this call to good conduct, emphasizing that their transformation from such a state was not due to any righteousness they performed, but solely to God's initiative and compassion. It sets the stage for understanding the source of their new life and the power by which they are enabled to live righteously.

Key Themes

  • Salvation by Grace Alone: The verse emphatically states "Not by works of righteousness which we have done," directly refuting any notion that human effort or good deeds can earn salvation. This truth is foundational to the gospel, echoing themes found in Ephesians 2:8-9.
  • God's Sovereign Mercy: Salvation is presented as an act of God's unmerited favor, flowing "according to his mercy." God's compassion for undeserving humanity is the sole motivation for His saving work. This highlights God's character as loving and merciful, as also seen in Lamentations 3:22-23.
  • Regeneration and New Birth: The phrase "the washing of regeneration" speaks to a spiritual rebirth, a profound inner transformation where a person is made new by God. It signifies a radical change from spiritual death to life, a concept also described as being "born again" in John 3:3.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role in Renewal: The "renewing of the Holy Ghost" identifies the Holy Spirit as the active agent in this process of regeneration and ongoing spiritual transformation. It is through the Spirit that believers are made new and empowered to live a life pleasing to God, leading to a renewed mind and spirit, as mentioned in Romans 8:11.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Works of righteousness" (Greek: erga dikaiosynes): This refers to deeds or actions that one might perform in an attempt to justify themselves before God. Paul makes it clear that such works, no matter how righteous they seem, cannot be the basis for salvation.
  • "Mercy" (Greek: eleos): Denotes God's pity and compassion, particularly towards the miserable and undeserving. It underscores that salvation is not a right earned but a gift freely given out of God's boundless kindness.
  • "Washing of regeneration" (Greek: loutron palingenesias): Loutron refers to a bath or washing, often interpreted symbolically of baptism as an outward sign of an inward spiritual reality. Palingenesia means "new birth," "renewal," or "regeneration." This highlights the cleansing and life-giving effect of God's saving work.
  • "Renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Greek: anakainosis Pneumatos Hagiou): Anakainosis signifies renovation or making new, implying a continuous process of transformation. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who brings about this spiritual renewal and empowers the believer for a new life.

Practical Application

Titus 3:5 offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Humility and Gratitude: It eliminates any basis for human boasting, reminding us that salvation is entirely a gift. Our response should be one of deep humility and profound gratitude for God's incredible mercy.
  • Assurance of Salvation: Since salvation is based on God's unchanging mercy and His powerful work, not on our fluctuating performance, believers can have great assurance in their standing with Him.
  • Motivation for Good Works: While good works do not save us, the regenerated life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, naturally produces them. Our good deeds become an outflow of our gratitude and a demonstration of the transformation God has wrought within us, not a means to earn His favor. This aligns with Paul's teaching in Ephesians 2:10.
  • Reliance on the Holy Spirit: This verse underscores the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in initiating and sustaining the Christian life. We are called to rely on His power for renewal and sanctification daily.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 2:8

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

  • Ephesians 2:9

    Not of works, lest any man should boast.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • 1 Peter 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

  • 1 Peter 3:21

    ¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
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