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"According to His mercy He saved us..."

Text: Titus 3:5

APPRECIATING OUR SALVATION AFRESH

We tend to take for granted our salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul did not. In the following passage (Titus 3:5-7) he wrote reflectively and meaningfully how salvation ought to be appreciated.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through
the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5

1. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done”

a) We are certainly not saved by works of righteousness.

b) Review Paul’s perspective of our sinful past (Titus 3:2).

c) We have no righteous works that would merit salvation.

2. “But according to His mercy He saved us”

a) We have a very strong adversative conjunction used here (Greek “alla”).

b) “According to His mercy”

i) Salvation is possible only because of God’s mercy.

ii) This work of salvation is entirely God’s work.

iii) Hence He may indeed be called “Saviour” (“God our Saviour” Titus 1:3; 3:4).

3. “Through the washing of regeneration”

a) The word “washing” is a reference to “cleansing”.

b) The word “regeneration” is another aspect highlighted.

c) Taken together they form a very striking picture:-

i) Of being washed and cleansed.

ii) Of being born again.

d) John 3:3-8 supports this view.

i) Born again John 3:3

ii) Born of water and of the Spirit John 3:5-6

4. “And renewing of the Holy Spirit”

a) “Renewing” means “to make anew”.

b) This is a special work of the Holy Spirit.

c) He washes, regenerates and renews!