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;
What does Titus 3:5 mean?
Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works.
Key themes
Commentary on 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 by works of righteousness which we have done - The plan was not based on our own good works, nor are our own good works now the cause of our salvation. If people could have been saved by their own good works, there would have been no need of salvation by the Redeemer; if our own deeds were now the basis of our title to eternal life, the work of Christ would be equally unnecessary.
Key words
- works of righteousness
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works of righteousness.
- washing of regeneration
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washing of regeneration.
- renewing of the Holy Ghost
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renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Context in Titus 3
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Titus 3 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as grace, good works, and final instructions. Titus is a compact pastoral letter about elders, sound teaching, good works, and the gracious training of the Christian life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of good works, grace, and order in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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