Titus 3:4-6
What is written? (ESV)
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
What does it say?
The goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared and saved us, not based on our merit but by His mercy, by the “washing of regeneration” and by renewal of the Holy Spirit, poured out fully through Christ.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter of encouragement to a young preacher Titus. Much like his letters to Timothy, Paul instructs Titus regarding the different churches “in every town” (1:5) to which he was ministering. Also, like Timothy, he encourages Titus to “let no one [in the church] disregard” him (2:15).
How Titus 3:4-6 is applied across Bible answers
Is baptism required for salvation?
A concise summary of the "saving process" - God's free gift, our baptism, and the Holy Spirit's renewing. (Close parallel to Peter's answer to the crowd in Acts 2:38-396 who were told to, "repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.")
Top 4: Results of baptism?
One's baptism (e.g. "washing of regeneration") follows God's gift of Jesus' appearing (His "mercy" in this passage) and is accompanied by the "renewal of the Holy Spirit".
What does the Holy Spirit do for the Christian today?
The Holy Spirit renews or refreshes the baptized Christian - an ongoing process after they are "washed" and reborn.
Same point made to the Corinthians.2
What is the purpose of baptism?
It is through "washing" that a Christian receives the "regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit".
What saves you eternally?
A concise summary of the "saving process" - God's free gift, our baptism, the Holy Spirit's renewing. (Close parallel to Peter's answer to the crowd in Acts8 - repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.)
Where do we see the personality of the Godhead?
God's goodness and loving-kindness appeared in the form of Jesus Christ to save mankind by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
