Titus 3:5
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.
He saved us
This phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in the process of salvation. The Greek word for "saved" is "ἐσώσεν" (esōsen), which is an aorist active indicative verb, indicating a completed action. This underscores the belief that salvation is a definitive act of God, not dependent on human effort. Historically, this reflects the early Christian understanding that salvation is a gift from God, rooted in His mercy and grace, rather than human merit.

not by works of righteousness that we had done
This phrase highlights the futility of human efforts in achieving salvation. The Greek word for "works" is "ἔργων" (ergōn), which refers to deeds or actions. The phrase "works of righteousness" suggests actions that are morally or ethically commendable. However, the text clearly states that these are not the basis for salvation. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that human righteousness is insufficient for salvation, as seen in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9. Historically, this was a counter to the Judaizers' emphasis on adherence to the Law for salvation.

but according to His mercy
The Greek word for "mercy" is "ἔλεος" (eleos), which conveys compassion or pity. This phrase shifts the focus from human actions to God's character. Mercy, in this context, is God's compassionate response to human sinfulness. Theologically, this underscores the doctrine of grace, where salvation is an unearned favor from God. Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of God's nature as loving and merciful, a theme prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth
The "washing of rebirth" is a metaphorical expression that combines the imagery of cleansing with the concept of new birth. The Greek word for "washing" is "λουτροῦ" (loutrou), which can refer to a bath or washing. "Rebirth" is translated from "παλιγγενεσίας" (palingenesias), meaning regeneration or new birth. This phrase is often associated with baptism, symbolizing the cleansing from sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Historically, baptism was a significant rite in the early church, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection.

and renewal by the Holy Spirit
The Greek word for "renewal" is "ἀνακαινώσεως" (anakainōseōs), which means a renovation or transformation. This phrase emphasizes the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. The Holy Spirit is seen as the agent of transformation, continually renewing the believer's mind and heart. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching on sanctification, where the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer's growth in holiness. Historically, this reflects the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, empowerment, and transformation in the Christian life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Titus, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living.

2. Titus
A trusted companion of Paul, serving as a leader in the early church, particularly on the island of Crete.

3. Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, involved in the process of regeneration and renewal of believers.

4. Crete
The location where Titus was ministering, known for its challenges in establishing a strong Christian community.

5. Regeneration
The spiritual rebirth and transformation of a believer, emphasized in this passage as a work of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching Points
Salvation by Grace, Not Works
Emphasize that our salvation is entirely a result of God's mercy and grace, not our own righteous deeds.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Highlight the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration and renewal, transforming believers into new creations.

Understanding Mercy
Reflect on the depth of God's mercy, which is the foundation of our salvation and should inspire gratitude and humility.

Living Out Our New Birth
Encourage believers to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Assurance of Salvation
Reassure believers of their secure position in Christ, based on God's mercy and the work of the Holy Spirit, not their own efforts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that salvation is not based on our righteous deeds impact your daily walk with Christ?

2. In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit for renewal and transformation in your life?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How can you live out the reality of your new birth in Christ in your community or workplace?

5. What other scriptures reinforce the concept of salvation by grace, and how do they deepen your understanding of Titus 3:5?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 2:8-9
This passage reinforces the concept that salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of works, aligning with the message in Titus 3:5.

John 3:5
Jesus speaks of being "born of water and the Spirit," which parallels the "washing of new birth" mentioned in Titus 3:5.

2 Corinthians 5:17
This verse speaks of becoming a new creation in Christ, which connects to the renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:8
Highlights God's mercy and love, which is the basis for our salvation, as stated in Titus 3:5.

1 Peter 1:3
Discusses being born again to a living hope, similar to the new birth and renewal in Titus 3:5.
Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the SoulPhilip Doddridge Titus 3:5
The Mercy of GodW.M. Statham Titus 3:5
Abundant Supply of GraceT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
Eminent HolinessThe EvangelistTitus 3:4-7
God's KindnessTitus 3:4-7
God's Kindness Only Partially Seen by the SoulTitus 3:4-7
God's Love IncomparableJohn R. Miller.Titus 3:4-7
God's Love to MenRichard Newton.Titus 3:4-7
God's Method of JustificationJ. Bunting.Titus 3:4-7
Good Work, no Ground of Acceptance with GodMajor Whittle.Titus 3:4-7
Good Works not to be Relied OnT. Secker.Titus 3:4-7
Heirs of Eternal LifeT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
Looking for the Hope of Eternal LifeMrs. Bottome.Titus 3:4-7
RegenerationWeekly PulpitTitus 3:4-7
RegenerationH. Quick.Titus 3:4-7
Relation of Justification to RegenerationR. W. Hamilton, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
SalvationO. McCutcheon.Titus 3:4-7
Salvation by GraceExpository OutlinesTitus 3:4-7
Salvation Viewed from God's SideBp. Jackson.Titus 3:4-7
Salvation, not of Works, But of GraceHomilistTitus 3:4-7
Salvation, not of Works, But of GraceD. Thomas Titus 3:4-7
Spiritual WashingTitus 3:4-7
St. Paul's GospelJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
That Being Justified by His GraceD. Thomas, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
The Difficulty of Removing the Pollution of SinTitus 3:4-7
The Disposition of GodH. W. Beecher.Titus 3:4-7
The Finished Work of ChristTitus 3:4-7
The Laver of RegenerationT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
The Laver of RegenerationA. Plummer, D. D.Titus 3:4-7
The Origin, Nature, Means, and End of SalvationT. Croskery Titus 3:4-7
The Power of God's KindnessJ.W. Lance.Titus 3:4-7
The Renewing of the Holy GhostD. Moore, M. A.Titus 3:4-7
The Renewing of the Holy SpiritE. H. Hopkins.Titus 3:4-7
The Source of SalvationF. Wagstaff.Titus 3:4-7
The Way of SalvationTitus 3:4-7
Working Hard for SalvationTitus 3:4-7
People
Apollos, Paul, Titus, Tychicus, Zenas
Places
Crete, Nicopolis
Topics
Basis, Bath, Bathing, Birth, Deeds, Ghost, Giving, Holy, Kindness, Measure, Mercy, Natures, Ourselves, Principle, Rebirth, Regeneration, Renewal, Renewing, Result, Righteous, Righteousness, Salvation, Save, Saved, Spirit, Virtue, Washing, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Titus 3:5

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3045   Holy Spirit, sovereignty
     4010   creation, renewal
     4804   breath
     5655   birth
     5769   behaviour
     6728   regeneration
     7478   washing
     7908   baptism, significance
     7957   sacraments
     8145   renewal, people of God
     8149   revival, nature of
     8164   spirituality
     8272   holiness, growth in
     8825   self-righteousness, and gospel

Titus 3:3-5

     2321   Christ, as redeemer
     8757   folly, effects of

Titus 3:3-7

     5038   mind, the human

Titus 3:4-5

     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     6617   atonement, in NT
     8203   character

Titus 3:4-6

     1170   God, unity of

Titus 3:4-7

     6512   salvation, necessity and basis
     6669   grace, and salvation
     8822   self-justification

Titus 3:5-6

     3230   Holy Spirit, and regeneration
     5856   extravagance
     8150   revival, personal

Titus 3:5-7

     3203   Holy Spirit, and assurance
     4018   life, spiritual
     4817   drought, spiritual
     6647   eternal life, experience

Library
Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. 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; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
"To speak evil of no man."--Titus iii. 2. These words do imply a double duty; one incumbent on teachers, another on the people who are to be instructed by them. The teacher's duty appeareth from reflecting on the words of the context, which govern these, and make them up an entire sentence: put them in mind, or, rub up their memory to do thus. It is St. Paul's injunction to Titus, a bishop and pastor of the Church, that he should admonish the people committed to his care and instruction,
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul in Titus iii. 5, R. V., writes, "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 Ghost." In these words we are taught that the Holy Spirit renews men, or makes men new, and that through this renewing of the Holy Spirit, we are saved. Jesus taught the same in John iii. 3-5, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination
Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination We proceed to the fifth article thus: 1. It seems that the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the apostle says: "whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate" (Rom. 8:29), and the gloss of Ambrose on the words "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" (Rom. 9:15) says: "I will have mercy on whom I foreknow will return to me with his whole heart." It thus appears that the foreknowledge of merits is the
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Christians are Bound to Obey the Secular Powers?
Objection 1: It seems that Christians are not bound to obey the secular power. For a gloss on Mat. 17:25, "Then the children are free," says: "If in every kingdom the children of the king who holds sway over that kingdom are free, then the children of that King, under Whose sway are all kingdoms, should be free in every kingdom." Now Christians, by their faith in Christ, are made children of God, according to Jn. 1:12: "He gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in His name."
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination?
Objection 1: It seems that foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the Apostle says (Rom. 8:29): "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined." Again a gloss of Ambrose on Rom. 9:15: "I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy" says: "I will give mercy to him who, I foresee, will turn to Me with his whole heart." Therefore it seems the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. Objection 2: Further, Divine predestination includes the divine will, which by no means can
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether any Merits Preceded the Union of the Incarnation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the union of the Incarnation followed upon certain merits, because upon Ps. 32:22, "Let Thy mercy, o Lord, be upon us, as," etc. a gloss says: "Here the prophet's desire for the Incarnation and its merited fulfilment are hinted at." Therefore the Incarnation falls under merit. Objection 2: Further, whoever merits anything merits that without which it cannot be. But the ancient Fathers merited eternal life, to which they were able to attain only by the Incarnation;
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacraments are the Cause of Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that the sacraments are not the cause of grace. For it seems that the same thing is not both sign and cause: since the nature of sign appears to be more in keeping with an effect. But a sacrament is a sign of grace. Therefore it is not its cause. Objection 2: Further, nothing corporeal can act on a spiritual thing: since "the agent is more excellent than the patient," as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii). But the subject of grace is the human mind, which is something spiritual.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Should be Seven Sacraments?
Objection 1: It seems that there ought not to be seven sacraments. For the sacraments derive their efficacy from the Divine power, and the power of Christ's Passion. But the Divine power is one, and Christ's Passion is one; since "by one oblation He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Therefore there should be but one sacrament. Objection 2: Further, a sacrament is intended as a remedy for the defect caused by sin. Now this is twofold, punishment and guilt. Therefore two
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sacrament of Penance should not be repeated. For the Apostle says (Heb. 6:4, seqq.): "It is impossible for those, who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost . . . and are fallen away, to be renewed again to penance." Now whosoever have done penance, have been illuminated, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Therefore whosoever sin after doing penance, cannot do penance again. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Human Law is Derived from the Natural Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that not every human law is derived from the natural law. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just is that which originally was a matter of indifference." But those things which arise from the natural law are not matters of indifference. Therefore the enactments of human laws are not derived from the natural law. Objection 2: Further, positive law is contrasted with natural law, as stated by Isidore (Etym. v, 4) and the Philosopher (Ethic. v, 7). But
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Isidore's Description of the Quality of Positive Law is Appropriate?
Objection 1: It would seem that Isidore's description of the quality of positive law is not appropriate, when he says (Etym. v, 21): "Law shall be virtuous, just, possible to nature, according to the custom of the country, suitable to place and time, necessary, useful; clearly expressed, lest by its obscurity it lead to misunderstanding; framed for no private benefit, but for the common good." Because he had previously expressed the quality of law in three conditions, saying that "law is anything
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Should be Framed for the Community Rather than for the Individual?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law should be framed not for the community, but rather for the individual. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just . . . includes all particular acts of legislation . . . and all those matters which are the subject of decrees," which are also individual matters, since decrees are framed about individual actions. Therefore law is framed not only for the community, but also for the individual. Objection 2: Further, law is the director of human
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Schism is a Special Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that schism is not a special sin. For "schism," as Pope Pelagius I says (Epist. ad Victor. et Pancrat.), "denotes a division." But every sin causes a division, according to Is. 59:: "Your sins have divided between you and your God." Therefore schism is not a special sin. Objection 2: Further, a man is apparently a schismatic if he disobeys the Church. But every sin makes a man disobey the commandments of the Church, because sin, according to Ambrose (De Parad. viii) "is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Obedience is a Special virtue?
Objection 1: It seems that obedience is not a special virtue. For disobedience is contrary to obedience. But disobedience is a general sin, because Ambrose says (De Parad. viii) that "sin is to disobey the divine law." Therefore obedience is not a special virtue. Objection 2: Further, every special virtue is either theological or moral. But obedience is not a theological virtue, since it is not comprised under faith, hope or charity. Nor is it a moral virtue, since it does not hold the mean between
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Heretics Ought to be Tolerated?
Objection 1: It seems that heretics ought to be tolerated. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:24,25): "The servant of the Lord must not wrangle . . . with modesty admonishing them that resist the truth, if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth, and they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil." Now if heretics are not tolerated but put to death, they lose the opportunity of repentance. Therefore it seems contrary to the Apostle's command. Objection 2: Further, whatever
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Salvation by Grace. Titus 3:3-7.
Salvation by grace. Titus 3:3-7. [Lord, we confess our num'rous faults, How great our guilt has been! Foolish and vain were all our thoughts, And all our lives were sin. But, O my soul! for ever praise, For ever love his name, Who turns thy feet from dangerous ways Of folly, sin, and shame.] ['Tis not by works of righteousness Which our own hands have done; But we are saved by sovereign grace Abounding through his Son.] 'Tis from the mercy of our God That all our hopes begin; 'Tis by the water
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

If any Bishop, Presbyter, Deacon, Sub-Deacon, Lector, Cantor, or Door-Keeper Has had Intercourse with A...
If any bishop, presbyter, deacon, sub-deacon, lector, cantor, or door-keeper has had intercourse with a woman dedicated to God, let him be deposed, as one who has corrupted a spouse of Christ, but if a layman let him be cut off. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. A cleric coupled to a spouse of God shall be deposed. In the case of a layman he shall be cut off. This canon is found in the Corpus Juris Canonici, Gratian's Decretum, Pars II., Causa XXVII., Q. I., c. vj. A layman ravishing a nun, by
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Postscript. Meaning Op the Word Regeneration.
To what I have said in the conclusion of the first discourse concerning the proper import of the word Regeneration, I beg leave to add the following remarks for the farther satisfaction of some worthy persons, who think it may be convenient to state the matter a little more particularly. I ACKNOWLEDGE that many learned and pious divines have taught and contended, that Regeneration does, in the strictest propriety of speech, signify Baptism--so that no unbaptized person, how well disposed soever,
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints...
16. For he himself also, with an eye to the like necessities of saints, who, although they obey his precepts, "that with silence they work and eat their own bread," may yet from many causes stand in need of somewhat by way of supplement to the like sustenance, therefore, after he had thus said, teaching and premonishing, "Now them which are such we command and beseech in our Lord Jesus Christ, that with silence they work and eat their own bread;" [2521] yet, lest they which had whereof they might
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Whether Grace and virtues are Bestowed on Man by Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Because, as stated above ([4464]Q[62], A[1], ad 1), the sacraments of the New Law "effect what they signify." But the baptismal cleansing signifies the cleansing of the soul from guilt, and not the fashioning of the soul with grace and virtues. Therefore it seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Objection 2: Further, one does not need to receive what one has already acquired. But some approach
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Faith is Required of Necessity in the Minister of a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that faith is required of necessity in the minister of a sacrament. For, as stated above [4401](A[8]), the intention of the minister is necessary for the validity of a sacrament. But "faith directs in intention" as Augustine says against Julian (In Psalm xxxi, cf. Contra Julian iv). Therefore, if the minister is without the true faith, the sacrament is invalid. Objection 2: Further, if a minister of the Church has not the true faith, it seems that he is a heretic. But heretics,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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