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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, |
Bible Question:
Hello, I have a couple of questions about the above verse: What is "the washing of regeneration"? What is "renewing by the Holy Spirit"? Thanks! Charles |
Bible Answer: Titus 3:5’s, 'washing of regeneration' if translated literally (i.e. see any Interlinear NT) is the 'bath (loutrou) of regeneration.' The key to understanding the doctrine of baptismal rebirth is to understand that baptism must be obviously be accompanied by belief. As the scriptures literally says in Mark 16:16 ‘He who HAS BELIEVED AND HAS BEEN BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.’ Also, 1 Peter 3:21 literally teaches ‘Corresponding to that, BAPTISM NOW SAVES YOU--not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.’ Although, some strangely object, this must obviously mean ‘baptism doesn’t save you.’ It is the clear unequivocal teaching of scripture that baptism is concomitant with remission of sins: Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins... Acts 22:16 'Now why do you delay? Get up and BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY YOUR SINS, calling on His name.' When your sins are remitted, you are right with God: When you are baptised your sins are remitted. Whoa betide the man who puts off his baptism for months or years believing this is biblical. Biblical baptism is administered as entry into the Christian walk, on the first day and scripture teaches it remits sin (obviously by appropriating the benefits of Christ’s atoning death on the Cross). To Him Alone be the Glory |