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NASB | Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
Subject: Titus 3:5 and washing of regeneration |
Bible Note: Greetings Dalcent! You shared your testimony, so I'll share mine my friend! I was raised in a non-Christian home. My parents had no interest in the Bible at all. At six years old, I accepted Christ at a local Vacation Bible School. I began to study the Bible on my own. I had no teacher, no preconceived ideas, and no 'agenda'. Over the years, I studied, studied, and studied some more. By the time I was 14, my 'theology' was quite well formed and I began to feel called into ministry. When I finally made it to college, I began to study Greek, philosophy, and theology. What I learned confirmed what I had discovered on my home (with the Spirit's guidance of course). The only thing that changed was that I know knew the theological terms for what I believed. ;-) I am glad that you are at peace my friend. But, peace doesn't necessarily mean 'correct'. :-) I am also at peace, does that mean that you would automatically agree with me? :-) I am also not a Catholic basher my friend. I have many friends who are Catholic. As a pastor, I have worked alongside many Catholic priests in local ministries. Nor, have I ever written a 'Catholic' bashing booklet! ;-) You state the difficulties that you have with the protestant positions. But, we can same the same thing about many Catholic positions my friend. When it is all said and done though, sweeping statements don't prove anything. If you would care to discuss individual points, I would be happy to do so. However, you should also be aware that I am not Baptist, nor am I a Calvinist! :-) As far as the Church Fathers go, I don't consider them inspired. They are teachers just like any other, unlike the inspired writers of Scripture. I have done enough reading in them to know that there are many excellent resources available in their writtings. However, there is also much material of lesser value. :-) You asked: "None of this is meant to sound rude but while evangelical beliefs are meant to be extracted from the Bible yet I find often they have been imposed on the Bible. Is this not even a possibility, a typical human weakness?" Of course it is a possibility. However, it is just as possible with the Catholic teachings as it is with protestant teachings. :-) The question can only be answered through Scripture. Anyway, if you would like to discuss specific Scriptures, just post a question on them and I, and others, would be happy to politely discuss specific issues with you without engaging in broad sweeping statements. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |