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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: baptism regenerate? |
Bible Note: I agree with you, it's always best to gather from the verse under discussion what is the immediate context so for that purpose, I quote: Matt 19:23 And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 19:24 "Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matt 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, "Then who can be saved?" Matt 19:26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt 19:27 Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" Matt 19:28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. Matt 19:30 "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." So we see that Christ made this statement immediately after his encounter with the rich young ruler who refused to give up his possessions, take up his cross and follow Jesus. So once again, this regeneration is a transition process. God and His Son want to see us, all of us graduate from this physical world to a spiritual world, come and join Him in Heaven but as I've mentioned before, we MUST allow God to choose the timing. Again, I don't see anything truly different in this scenario. Basically it boils down to us in our present condition without God, after we reach the age of accountability and before we become a christian...we've got no hope. Then we establish a relationship with Him as our Father through His Son and ONLY through Him. Everything else is on God's part to get us there in Heaven through our belief and faith in His Grace and Forgiveness. All we got to do is obey His commands which include "being faithful till death" per Rev 2:10 and being fruitful in our works of faith as per James 2. How could it be any clearer? Now, I must admit we CANNOT boast or think we can earn our way to Heaven. That too is very clear from the scriptures but we do have a job to do: be a vessel for God showing His Light throughout our lives so that others will be influenced to also establish a similar relationship to God. Now, can we agree on all the above? I hope so. Blessings to you. Country Girl |