Titus 3:5

Works. Man stands justified before God on the basis of God’s mercy, not because of any good act he performs (see on Rom. 4:2, 6; 9:32; Gal. 2:16; 3:5, 10; Eph. 2:9). The general tenor of all unconverted lives consists in selfishness; thus, no man has lived up to the standards of “righteousness” (see on Rom. 3:23). Man’s only plea is the faithfulness of God’s love and mercy, not his own “works.”

Mercy. As another aspect of divine love (v. 4), mercy is here used instead of grace, probably to emphasize man’s wretched condition, which requires mercy. God’s pity for man’s miserable condition constitutes the assurance of man’s salvation.

Washing. Gr. loutron (see on Eph. 5:26), that is, a spiritual “washing,” which cleanses man of the evil tendencies described in Titus 3:3.

Regeneration. Or, “rebirth.” Because man is wretched and lost if left to himself, and because Jewish rites and ceremonial washings could not change man’s sinful nature, man’s only alternative is to accept God’s solution to the problem of sin, which demands a complete reformation of life (see on ch. 2:14). God purposes not only to forgive men but to restore them to a sinless life. This process of transforming sinful men and women into Christlike representatives of God’s way of life is known elsewhere in Scripture as sanctification (see on Rom. 6:19). Sanctification is an integral part of the Saviour’s program to eradicate sin. Here, the “washing of regeneration” is the initial step that begins the glorious program of sanctification.

Some believe that Paul here refers to baptism. However, baptism is not a means of regeneration, nor is it a basis for man’s salvation. Although baptism is required of all converts (see Matt. 28:19), it only symbolizes the inward washing, or “regeneration,” already accomplished by God (see on Matt. 3:6; Rom. 6:4); it does not purify sinners. Sincerely engaged in, it is a public witness to what God has already done in cleansing the sinner from his evil tendencies (see on Titus 3:3).

Renewing. Compare Rom. 12:2.

Of the Holy Ghost. Or, “by the Holy Spirit,” who daily strengthens and sanctifies the converted man. Because the Holy Spirit does not operate without man’s consent, spiritual progress depends upon the Christian’s daily commitment to God’s way of life. Thus, the process of sanctification calls for a partnership between God and man. After man chooses God’s way, the Holy Spirit energizes his weakened will, so that he is empowered to do God’s will. “Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power” (DA 671).