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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: Theological Terms: Regeneration |
Bible Note: Hi, WOS... Good question! John's first epistle has several of these sorts of statements. It can be fairly clearly demonstrated that John was writing to believers. Therefore, it must necessarily apply to the regenerate. Note that John does not say that the believer does not sin at all, for he writes If we claim, "We do not have sin," we lead ourselves astray (fig., deceive ourselves), and the truth is not in us. If we are confessing our sins, He is faithful (or, trustworthy) and righteous that He shall forgive us our sins and cleanse (or, purge) us from all unrighteousness. If claim, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10 ALT) Furthermore, the phrase begotten is exactly this concept of the work of God in regeneration. John uses that word quite a number of times in his epistle. By the way, note that John speaks of the same idea that the believer is not one who practices sin (1 John 3:9), but stated differently, when he writes, If you know that He is righteous, you know (or, be knowing) that everyone practicing righteousness has been begotten from Him. (1 John 2:29) The believer practices righteousness but does not practice sin. John goes on to say in 1 John 5:3-4 that the believer overcomes the world. Further, that the believer is protected from Satan (1 John 5:18). Paul mentions other benefits of regeneration when he talks about the fruit of the Spirit. The true believer will demonstrate this fruit more and more in His life. We'll talk in greater detail about these things as we move further with the definitions of sanctification and glorification. In Him, Doc |