Titus 3 By the Holy Spirit Part 34


Titus 3:5-6

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

In today’s text, Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit's washing of rebirth and renewal. He isn’t referring to baptism, but rather to what baptism signifies. Spiritual rebirth of the soul is the God ordained transformation portrayed in baptism. We are washed in Christ’s blood, cleansed from sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit. This isn’t because of anything we’ve done, but, as 1 Peter 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” We are sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit. God poured out the Holy Spirit on us through Jesus Christ. Spiritual Baptism is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, and by Him, we are regenerated. Regeneration is instant but also continuous. We are saved from sin’s power so that we might be conformed to the image of Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit brings about this instant and radical change. This is a necessity, and we can see evidence of this by the fruits that follow. The washing is holy and spiritual; baptism is simply the portrayal of what Christ’s blood performs. Acts 1:5 says, “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” We are saved by Jesus Christ’s blood and renewed by the Holy Spirit to live a godly life. This is the constant, conscious and continuous work of the Holy Spirit in us, which causes us to do good works. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” So be renewed by the Holy Spirit and live in righteousness as Christ did!

1. Our salvation is the work of the whole Trinity. What does each part do?

2. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 tell us about renewal?

3. What can we learn about the Holy Spirit in Romans 5:5?

4. What can we learn from Jesus about the Holy Spirit? See John 14:15-18. Find other passages where Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit. What can we learn from them?

Awesome, almighty and gracious God, I come before You to praise You and to thank You for Your wonderful gift of grace in the Holy Spirit. Thank You for sending Him to live and work in us. Make me heartily willing and able to do the good that You desire. Fill me with the Spirit and continue to renew my heart and mind daily that I may live for You. Amen.


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