http://www.heritagebbc.com/archive3/0254.html

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Heritage Baptist Bible Church

Dr. Max D. Younce, Pastor Walnut Grove, MN - USA

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Bible Questions & Answers Archive

#0254

Question

Dear Dr. Younce, Would you please explain the last part of Titus 3:5; as I am getting conflicting information from some preachers.

Answer

I. THE QUOTATION:

“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

II. THE EXPLANATION:

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

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (21)

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

(22) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23

2. “By his mercy he saved us.”

a. Grace is extending to a person what they do not deserve.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 )

b. Mercy is withholding what we do deserve.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 )

c. Romans 6:23 is the grace of god.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

3. “Washing of regeneration.” This is another way of describing what takes place when anyone accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior.

a. “A new creation” in 2 Corinthians 5:17 is another description of our salvation.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

b. “Born again” in John 3:3 is another description of salvation

“Born” is the Greek verb “gennao,” followed by “again”, the Greek adverb “anothen” which means; from above. In other words, “born from above.” The commentary of this is explained in 1 Peter 1:21.

“Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” 1 Peter 1:21

c. “Washing:” is the Greek “loutron” and literally means to bathe or wash the body. We do not obtain salvation by taking a literal bath. The whole verse in Titus 3:5 is speaking of eternal salvation. In other words, “washing” is used metaphorically of the Word of God which, when believes, becomes the instrument of spiritual cleansing; i.e., salvation!

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15:3

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” Ephesians 5:26

d. Regeneration: The Greek word is “palingenesia.” “Palin” means “again” and “genesis” is “birth.” In other words, this is used in reference to our spiritual new birth by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.

(1). The new birth includes a relationship, as I am now a child of God.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

(2). I am also indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13

(3). At salvation, my past is wiped clean and the Christian starts out brand new.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

(4). I can never lose my salvation, as it is “everlasting.”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36

e. Renewing of the Holy Ghost: The Greek for “renewing” is “anakainosis,” and is the continual working of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life.

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