Titus 3:5
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Titus 3:5 powerfully underscores that salvation is not achieved by our own righteous deeds but is entirely dependent on God’s mercy. Through the 'washing of regeneration' and 'renewing of the Holy Ghost,' this verse highlights the biblical doctrines of grace, spiritual rebirth, and sanctification—making it a foundational text for understanding Christian soteriology and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Summary
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;
Titus 3:5 (KJV) clearly distinguishes between human effort and divine initiative in salvation: "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;" (https://www.biblegateway.com/). In Pauline theology, our justification is never earned by 'works' (Greek: ἔργα, erga) but solely grounded in God’s mercy (Greek: ἔλεος, eleos; cf. Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:8-9). The 'washing of regeneration' draws from the term παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia), meaning 'new birth' or 'spiritual rebirth,' linking to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about being 'born again' (John 3:3-5). The 'renewing of the Holy Ghost' (Greek: ἀνακαίνωσις, anakainosis) points to the ongoing transformation and sanctification of the believer by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). Together, these concepts emphasize that salvation is a supernatural work of God, consistent with Reformed and evangelical teachings on grace, regeneration, and justification.
You may wonder at times if you’ve done enough to be accepted by God—or if you need to clean yourself up before He’ll love you. Paul’s words in Titus 3:5 gently free us from that burden. Our standing before God does not depend on our performance, but on His unfathomable mercy. Salvation sweeps over us not as a reward, but as a gift—God’s kindness washing us clean and His Spirit making us new, day by day. Even when we falter, He is faithful to renew us. Take heart today: you do not need to earn God’s love. Rest in the mercy and renewing power of the Holy Spirit—His work in you is sure, His grace enough, and His love everlasting.