Titus 3:5
Verse
Context
Heirs of Grace
4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.6This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Leonard Ravenhill
Charles Stanley
David Wilkerson
Jim Cymbala
J. Vernon McGeeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not by works of righteousness - Those who were foolish, disobedient, and deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, could not possibly have works of righteousness to plead; therefore, if saved at all, they must be saved by mercy. See the note on Eph 2:8; and see a discourse entitled, Salvation by Faith proved, 8vo., 1816, in which I have examined every system invented by man for his restoration to the Divine favor and image: and have demonstrated, by mere reason, their utter insufficiency to answer the end for which they have been invented; and have proved that the doctrine of salvation by faith is the only rational way of salvation. By the washing of regeneration - Δια λουτρου παλιγγενεσιας· Undoubtedly the apostle here means baptism, the rite by which persons were admitted into the Church, and the visible sign of the cleansing, purifying influences of the Holy Spirit, which the apostle immediately subjoins. Baptism is only a sign, and therefore should never be separated from the thing signified; but it is a rite commanded by God himself, and therefore the thing signified should never be expected without it. By the renewing of the Holy Ghost we are to understand, not only the profession of being bound to live a new life, but the grace that renews the heart, and enables us thus to live; so the renewing influences are here intended. Baptism changes nothing; the grace signified by it cleanses and purifies. They who think baptism to be regeneration, neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God; therefore they do greatly err.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not by--Greek, "Out of"; "not as a result springing from works," &c. of righteousness--Greek, "in righteousness," that is, wrought "in a state of righteousness": as "deeds . . . wrought in God." There was an utter absence in us of the element ("righteousness") in which alone righteous works could be done, and so necessarily an absence of the works. "We neither did works of righteousness, nor were saved in consequence of them; but His goodness did the whole" [THEOPHYLACT]. we--emphatically opposed to "His." mercy--the prompting cause of our salvation individually: "In pursuance of His mercy." His kindness and love to man were manifested in redemption once for all wrought by Him for mankind generally; His mercy is the prompting cause for our individual realization of it. Faith is presupposed as the instrument of our being "saved"; our being so, then, is spoken of as an accomplished fact. Faith is not mentioned, but only God's part. as Paul's object here is not to describe man's new state, but the saving agency of God in bringing about that state, independent of all merit on the man's part (see on Tit 3:4). by--Greek, "through"; by means of. the washing--rather, "the laver," that is, the baptismal font. of regeneration--designed to be the visible instrument of regeneration. "The apostles are wont to draw an argument from the sacraments to prove the thing therein signified, because it ought to be a recognized principle among the godly, that God does not mark us with empty signs, but by His power inwardly makes good what He demonstrates by the outward sign. Wherefore baptism is congruously and truly called the laver of regeneration. We must connect the sign and thing signified, so as not to make the sign empty and ineffectual; and yet not, for the sake of honoring the sign, to detract from the Holy Spirit what is peculiarly His" [CALVIN], (Pe1 3:21). Adult candidates for baptism are presupposed to have had repentance and faith (for Paul often assumes in faith and charity that those addressed are what they profess to be, though in fact some of them were not so, Co1 6:11), in which case baptism would be the visible "laver or regeneration" to them, "faith being thereby confirmed, and grace increased, by virtue of prayer to God" [Article XXVII, Church of England]. Infants are charitably presumed to have received a grace in connection with their Christian descent, in answer to the believing prayers of their parents or guardians presenting them for baptism, which grace is visibly sealed and increased by baptism, "the laver of regeneration." They are presumed to be then regenerated, until years of developed consciousness prove whether they have been actually so or not. "Born of (from) water and (no 'of' in Greek) the Spirit." The Word is the remote and anterior instrument of the new birth; Baptism, the proximate instrument. The Word, the instrument to the individual; Baptism, in relation to the Society of Christians. The laver of cleansing stood outside the door of the tabernacle, wherein the priest had to wash before entering the Holy Place; so we must wash in the laver of regeneration before we can enter the Church, whose members are "a royal priesthood." "Baptism by the Spirit" (whereof water baptism is the designed accompanying seal) makes the difference between Christian baptism and that of John. As Paul presupposes the outward Church is the visible community of the redeemed, so he speaks of baptism on the supposition that it answers to its idea; that all that is inward belonging to its completeness accompanied the outward. Hence he here asserts of outward baptism whatever is involved in the believing appropriation of the divine facts which it symbolizes, whatever is realized when baptism fully corresponds to its original design. So Gal 3:27; language holding good only of those in whom the inward living communion and outward baptism coalesce. "Saved us" applies fully to those truly regenerate alone; in a general sense it may include many who, though put within reach of salvation, shall not finally be saved. "Regeneration" occurs only once more in New Testament, Mat 19:28, that is, the new birth of the heaven and earth at Christ's second coming to renew all material things, the human body included, when the creature, now travailing in labor-throes to the birth, shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Regeneration, which now begins in the believer's soul, shall then be extended to his body, and thence to all creation. and renewing--not "the laver ('washing') of renewing," but "and BY the renewing," &c., following "saved us." To make "renewing of the Holy Ghost" follow "the laver" would destroy the balance of the clauses of the sentence, and would make baptism the seal, not only of regeneration, but also of the subsequent process of progressive sanctification ("renewing of the Holy Ghost"). Regeneration is a thing once for all done; renewing is a process daily proceeding. As "the washing," or "laver," is connected with "regeneration," so the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" is connected with "shed on us abundantly" (Tit 3:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,.... The great instance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour is salvation; which the apostle denies that it is brought about by any works, even the best works of men; for "works of righteousness" are works done according to a righteous law, and in obedience to it; and in a righteous manner, from right principles of grace, in faith, and with a view to the glory of God; or otherwise they are not righteous actions, or works of righteousness; wherefore not works before, but after conversion, are here meant; for works before conversion are not properly works of righteousness: besides, these are such which we have done, who formerly were as before described, but now are regenerated and renewed by the Holy Ghost, and created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Now salvation, neither in whole, nor in part, is by these, either as causes; conditions, or means; See Gill on Ti2 1:9; , "works of righteousness", is a Jewish phrase used for righteous or good works (z). but according to his mercy he saved us; the mercy of God is natural and essential to him, but the actings and exercise of it, towards this or the other objects, are sovereign and free, and according to his will; the effects of it are many, he is rich and abundant in it; and they are channelled in, and flow forth through the blood and righteousness of Christ; and this is the moving cause of salvation: this moved God to make a covenant with his Son, the blessings of which are the sure mercies of David, and in which God is merciful to the sins and unrighteousnesses of his people; it is owing to the tender mercy of God, that Christ, the dayspring from on high, has visited the earth; and the glory of it is very conspicuous in the affair of redemption by him; the pardon of sin is according to the multitude of God's tender mercies; and regeneration springs from the abundance of it; and even eternal life is the effect of it. Now according to this, God has "saved" his people; salvation is not only a thing determined, and resolved on in the mind of God, but is actually and completely accomplished by Jesus Christ, and an application of it is made to the saints in effectual calling; and because of the certain enjoyment of the whole of it, even eternal glory, the saints are said to be saved already; as they are also in faith and hope, as well as in Christ, their head and representative; See Gill on Eph 2:8. It follows, as the means of salvation, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; by the former is meant, not the ordinance of water baptism; for that is never expressed by washing, nor is it the cause or means of regeneration; the cause being the Spirit of God, and the means the word of God: and besides, persons ought to be regenerated before they are baptized; and they may be baptized, and yet not regenerated, as Simon Magus; nor is it a saving ordinance, or a point of salvation; nor can it be opposed to works of righteousness, as this washing is; for that itself is a work of righteousness; see Mat 3:15 and if persons were saved by that, they would be saved by a work of righteousness, contrary to the text itself: but regenerating grace is meant, or a being born of water, and of the Spirit; that is, of the grace of the Spirit, comparable to water for its purity and cleansing virtue: hence such who are regenerated and sanctified, are said to be washed and cleansed, having their hearts purified by faith, and their consciences purged from sin by the blood of Christ: by the latter, the renewing of the Holy Ghost, is meant either the fruit and effect of the former, even newness of life and conversation, under the influence of the Holy Spirit; or else the gradual increase and progress of the work of grace upon the soul, renewed day by day in the spirit of the mind, by the Holy Ghost; or rather it means the same thing with regeneration, and is added partly as explanative of the washing of regeneration, showing that that is no other than the new creature, the new man, the new heart, and new spirit, formed in the soul, in the effectual calling; and partly to observe that the Holy Ghost is the author of it. Now it is in this way God saves his people, namely, by regenerating and renewing them; in this is the first appearance and discovery of the love of God to them; this is their open passage into a state of grace, and without this there is no entrance into glory; this is the foundation of all grace and good works, and by which saints appear to be heirs of the heavenly inheritance. (z) Seder Tephillot, Ed. Amsterdam, fol. 46. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).
Titus 3:5
Heirs of Grace
4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.6This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You Well
By Major Ian Thomas15K38:45SoulGEN 1:27MAT 6:33JHN 14:9ROM 3:231CO 12:132CO 5:17TIT 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless and perfectly reflected God's character. The speaker explains that God has given us physical bodies to communicate what is happening inside us, just like animals communicate their behavior through their bodies. He urges believers to restore their relationship with God and become compelling examples of His presence to the world. The ultimate goal is for believers to live in such a way that everything they do, say, and wear reflects God's likeness and character.
Ye Must Be Born Again - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill10K46:04Born AgainObedience to GodRegenerationJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 8:92CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:231JN 5:12Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of being born again, arguing that mere morality is insufficient for true spiritual transformation. He critiques the modern church's focus on superficiality and calls for a deeper understanding of biblical regeneration, highlighting that true Christianity is about receiving Christ into one's life rather than just adhering to moral standards. Ravenhill illustrates his points with historical references and personal anecdotes, stressing that the essence of salvation is a radical change of heart and life, which is only possible through the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to seek a genuine baptism of obedience and to recognize the urgency of the gospel message in a world increasingly detached from God.
A Satanic Deception Regarding Salvation
By Charles Stanley8.5K44:25Satanic DeceptionMAT 7:23JHN 1:29JHN 10:15GAL 2:16EPH 2:8TIT 2:11TIT 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true source of authority in life, death, and morality. He asserts that the final authority is found in the Bible, and any other opinions or societal norms are irrelevant. The preacher then addresses the belief that salvation can be earned through good works, providing several biblical references that contradict this notion. He goes on to give ten reasons why this argument is flawed, emphasizing that salvation is solely through the grace of God and cannot be achieved or maintained through works.
Beware of Dogs - Part 1
By David Wilkerson6.3K15:04ROM 3:28ROM 11:6GAL 1:6GAL 2:16GAL 3:10GAL 5:1GAL 5:4EPH 2:8PHP 3:2TIT 3:5
In this sermon, the speaker delves into the importance of defending the true gospel of Jesus Christ and warns against false teachings that add human effort to salvation. Paul's strong stance against those who pervert the gospel by promoting works of the flesh over faith in Christ is highlighted. The message emphasizes the danger of legalism and the need to stand firm on the truth that salvation is by grace through faith alone.
Genesis
By Jim Cymbala5.9K45:38MercyGenesisRedemptionGEN 38:1MAT 1:3GAL 6:1EPH 2:4TIT 3:5HEB 7:14Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, God chose to bring the Messiah through his lineage, illustrating that Jesus came for those who are broken and in need of mercy. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our own shortcomings and the grace that God extends to us, encouraging believers to show mercy to others as they have received it themselves. Ultimately, Cymbala reassures that God can turn our messes into something beautiful, reflecting His redemptive power.
(Exodus) Exodus 29:1-9
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K05:04ExpositionalEXO 29:2LEV 8:2LEV 8:6MAT 6:33TIT 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of consecration and coming to God with empty hands. He highlights that true consecration is not about making promises or offering things to God, but rather recognizing our weakness and inability and allowing God to fill us. The speaker refers to the consecration of the priests in the book of Leviticus, where they were instructed to bring a young bullock and two rams without blemish, along with unleavened bread and cakes. The washing mentioned in the transcript is seen as symbolic of regeneration, emphasizing that salvation is not based on our own works but on God's mercy and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
(Christ—the Way God Makes Man Righteous) 3. the Fallen State of Man
By Denny Kenaston2.3K1:08:51Fallen ManMAT 3:11JHN 3:3ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of reading and studying the Bible. He assigns the audience to read specific chapters in the book of Romans and encourages them to memorize the word "regeneration" as it relates to the doctrine of salvation. The speaker also shares a personal experience of visiting a museum and being impressed by the acoustics of the building, which made him reflect on the power of preaching without the need for a PA system. He then delves into the concept of the fall of man and how it changed human nature, leading to self-centeredness and independence. The speaker emphasizes the significance of recognizing this change and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.
Clothed by God
By Brian Brodersen2.0K1:02:02GEN 3:21EPH 2:8PHP 3:8TIT 3:5
This sermon delves into Genesis chapter 3, focusing on the aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin, their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, and God's provision of tunics of skin as a symbol of atonement through the shedding of innocent blood. It emphasizes the foundational importance of understanding sin, redemption, and acceptance with God based on His terms of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Alignment of New Evangelicals With Apostasy
By Richard Bennett1.9K1:13:13MAT 6:33GAL 1:8EPH 2:8TIT 3:5In this video, the speaker discusses a document that has been circulated by certain evangelical personalities. The document states that justification is not earned by good works, but is a gift from God through His grace. However, the speaker points out that the document also endorses baptismal regeneration, which goes against biblical teachings. The speaker argues that the use of the word "conferred" instead of "imputed" in the document denies the authority of Scripture and promotes Catholic teachings. The video concludes by providing contact information for the organization that is circulating this message and promoting Reformation resources.
The Power of the Blood - Sermon 5 of 5 - the Holy Place or the Holiest
By Roy Hession1.7K55:30Blood Of ChristNUM 21:8MAT 6:33MAT 27:35ROM 5:9TIT 3:5HEB 9:11HEB 10:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the tabernacle and its significance in the journey of the children of Israel. The tabernacle was a portable place of worship that they carried with them in the wilderness. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of living in the light, where everything is revealed as it truly is. They explain that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all. The sermon encourages listeners to draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith, knowing that Jesus' blood has made a way for us to enter into the presence of God.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 9
By W.F. Kumuyi1.7K07:45PSA 24:3PSA 51:10EZK 36:25MAT 5:8TIT 3:5HEB 12:14JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of renewing the spirit within us by surrendering to the promises of God. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to cleanse, purify, and transform their hearts, leading them to a life of holiness and righteousness. The message highlights the need to come before the Lord with conviction, believing in His power to forgive, save, and purify, ultimately enabling believers to see God and experience His constant presence.
Work Out Your Salvation
By John Murray1.6K27:26SalvationROM 11:6EPH 2:8PHP 2:122TI 1:9TIT 3:5JAS 2:171PE 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that our working is completely dependent on God's working in us. He explains that the manifestation of God's working in us is our own working, and if we are not actively working, it means that God is not working in us. The preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God and working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, as it is God who works within us to fulfill His good pleasure. He also highlights that it is the fact that God works in us that provides the incentive and encouragement for us to engage in good works. The sermon emphasizes the need for obedience to God's revealed will as the standard for determining what is good.
Dr. Law and Dr. Grace - Part 4
By Lester Roloff1.5K08:49JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 3:23EPH 2:1EPH 2:8TIT 3:5
This sermon delves into the spiritual condition of humanity, emphasizing the inherent sinfulness and spiritual deadness of individuals from birth, highlighting the need for a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ. It illustrates the futile attempts of individuals to find healing and salvation through worldly means, such as self-righteousness, good works, and religious practices, ultimately leading to disappointment and failure. The narrative follows the journey of seeking help from various 'doctors' representing different human efforts to address spiritual needs, culminating in the realization of the necessity to 'join' with Jesus for true transformation and salvation.
John 3:1
By Worth Ellis1.4K42:45JHN 1:12JHN 3:1JHN 3:3TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:231PE 2:2In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who was concerned about his protege and wanted to see if he had changed. The man searched for his protege and found tracks that led him to a pig pen. The preacher emphasizes that the man found the pig in the pig pen because that which is pig is pig. The message of the sermon is that no matter how much you try to clean up or join someone to a church, if their nature is still sinful, they will remain unchanged.
The Priority of Regeneration Part 2
By John Murray1.2K47:13RegenerationJHN 3:3ROM 8:282CO 5:17EPH 1:20TIT 3:5JAS 1:181PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the relationship between regeneration and responsibility in the context of the preaching of the word of God. The speaker emphasizes that our belief or knowledge of being regenerated should not be the basis for our actions, but rather the rule of God should guide our actions. The speaker also highlights that regeneration and responsibility are not mutually exclusive, and that we should not delay repentance and belief until we are regenerated. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding regeneration in both a restrictive and inclusive sense, as outlined in specific passages of the Bible.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K08:39PSA 63:1ISA 58:11LUK 1:35JHN 3:5JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:26TIT 3:5
This sermon emphasizes the process of spiritual cleansing and growth in a believer's life. It distinguishes between the initial cleansing of past sins through Christ's blood at salvation and the ongoing daily cleansing through the Word of God, symbolized by water representing the Holy Spirit. The message highlights the concept of being born again as a new birth through the Holy Spirit, akin to the supernatural birth of Jesus in Mary's womb, and the subsequent growth and satisfaction that the Holy Spirit brings, leading to a life free from worldly addictions and a deep thirst for God's presence.
Fargo Memorial Day Conference-08 Until We Meet Again
By William MacDonald1.1K41:19ConferencePSA 30:5JHN 2:4JHN 16:32ACT 3:19TIT 3:51JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and coming to the Lord Jesus. He encourages the audience to reflect on their relationship with God and the need for spiritual regeneration. The preacher also discusses the significance of confessing sins and seeking forgiveness from God. The sermon concludes with examples of individuals facing their mortality and the importance of living a life pleasing to God.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-11 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald83726:43True DiscipleshipMAT 6:33MAT 19:16LUK 18:9ROM 6:23EPH 2:8TIT 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew chapter 20. The parable tells the story of a landowner who hires workers at different times throughout the day, but pays them all the same wage. The preacher emphasizes the lesson of not bargaining with God and highlights the envious and greedy nature of the human heart. He also emphasizes the importance of God's grace and how it is better than justice. The sermon concludes by highlighting the caring nature of the employer in the parable and suggesting that Christians should strive to run their businesses with the same compassion.
Debate: How the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the Usa, Canada, Australia, etc., Today (3/3)
By Greg Barrow7811:18:091CH 16:13PSA 85:10MAT 6:33ROM 4:13TIT 3:5HEB 10:222PE 3:13The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being mindful of God's covenant and the word He has commanded for a thousand generations. It emphasizes the need for regeneration and righteousness, as mentioned in Titus 3:5 and Romans 4:13. The author highlights the neglect of family leaders in teaching the doctrine of Christianity, which contributes to the divisions and corruptions in the church. The devil seeks to undermine family duties and pervert the youth, but the solemn injunctions and dying charge of Jesus Christ protect the public duties in the assemblies of the saints.
Mormonism 09
By Gordon Fraser76236:39MAT 28:19ACT 2:38ROM 6:31CO 1:17EPH 2:8TIT 3:51PE 3:21In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of accepting Jesus as his Savior and becoming a new creature in Christ. He talks about the change in his life and how his friends reacted to his newfound faith. The speaker then discusses the concept of being marked by Jesus and the significance of belonging to Him. He also addresses the belief in the opportunity for salvation after death and contrasts it with the biblical teaching of judgment after death. The sermon concludes with the speaker emphasizing the role of Jesus as our Redeemer and advocate with the Father.
How to Know the Will of God
By John Piper59152:58TIT 3:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning and following the will of God in our lives. It delves into the distinction between God's sovereign will, which always comes to pass, and His moral will, which involves His commands for us to follow. The speaker highlights the need for a renewed mind to discern God's will through Scripture, conscious application, and spontaneous actions, ultimately seeking the Holy Spirit's transformation to live in alignment with God's commands.
What Every Christian Must Believe
By Keith Hartsell4151:12:17AnglicanMRK 16:16ACT 2:38ROM 10:9EPH 2:8TIT 3:5JAS 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a clear understanding of the essential beliefs of Christianity. They highlight the negative impact of confusing optional beliefs and the potential for people to feel inadequate in meeting certain religious standards. The speaker shares a personal story of their father losing faith due to the belief that he had to meet a specific set of requirements to be saved. They emphasize the need for a concise catechesis that introduces essential beliefs and separates them from the more complex theological concepts. The sermon also touches on the significance of repentance, baptism, confessing Jesus as Lord, faith in Jesus, renewal by the Holy Spirit, and the importance of continuous growth in virtue and disciplines throughout one's life.
God's Message to Dead Men
By Major Ian Thomas858:21SalvationSpiritual LifeJHN 3:16ROM 5:102CO 5:142CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 2:1COL 1:27TIT 3:51PE 1:31JN 5:12Major Ian Thomas delivers a powerful sermon titled 'God's Message to Dead Men,' emphasizing that all humanity is spiritually dead due to Adam's sin, and that Christ's death was necessary to restore life to those who accept Him. He explains that the gospel is not merely about forgiveness but about receiving the very life of Christ through the Holy Spirit, transforming believers from death to life. Thomas highlights the importance of recognizing our spiritual condition and the necessity of faith in Christ for true salvation, illustrating this with the story of Cornelius, a good man who needed to be saved. The sermon calls for self-examination and a genuine relationship with Christ, urging listeners to embrace the life that comes from Him.
The Potter and the Clay. (Jer. 18:1-6)
By George Whitefield2JER 18:6JHN 3:3ROM 8:29ROM 9:212CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6TIT 3:51PE 1:3George Whitefield preaches on the analogy of the potter and the clay from Jeremiah 18:1-6, emphasizing God's sovereignty and transformative power over His people. He illustrates how God can reshape and renew individuals, just as a potter molds clay, highlighting the need for a spiritual rebirth and sanctification through the Holy Spirit. Whitefield urges the congregation to recognize their fallen nature and the necessity of being transformed by God to inherit eternal life, emphasizing the importance of repentance, faith, and experiencing the new birth in Christ.
On Regeneration. (2 Cor. 5:17)
By George Whitefield1MAT 7:21JHN 3:3ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 6:15EPH 4:22COL 3:9TIT 3:51PE 1:23George Whitefield preaches on the importance of being in Christ and becoming a new creature through regeneration. He emphasizes that true Christianity requires an inward change of heart, not just an outward profession or moral virtues. Whitefield urges believers to examine themselves and strive for a genuine transformation by the Holy Spirit, aligning their lives with the teachings of Christ. He warns against resting in external rituals or partial amendments, stressing the necessity of a complete renewal to fully experience God's grace and prepare for eternal life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not by works of righteousness - Those who were foolish, disobedient, and deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, could not possibly have works of righteousness to plead; therefore, if saved at all, they must be saved by mercy. See the note on Eph 2:8; and see a discourse entitled, Salvation by Faith proved, 8vo., 1816, in which I have examined every system invented by man for his restoration to the Divine favor and image: and have demonstrated, by mere reason, their utter insufficiency to answer the end for which they have been invented; and have proved that the doctrine of salvation by faith is the only rational way of salvation. By the washing of regeneration - Δια λουτρου παλιγγενεσιας· Undoubtedly the apostle here means baptism, the rite by which persons were admitted into the Church, and the visible sign of the cleansing, purifying influences of the Holy Spirit, which the apostle immediately subjoins. Baptism is only a sign, and therefore should never be separated from the thing signified; but it is a rite commanded by God himself, and therefore the thing signified should never be expected without it. By the renewing of the Holy Ghost we are to understand, not only the profession of being bound to live a new life, but the grace that renews the heart, and enables us thus to live; so the renewing influences are here intended. Baptism changes nothing; the grace signified by it cleanses and purifies. They who think baptism to be regeneration, neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God; therefore they do greatly err.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not by--Greek, "Out of"; "not as a result springing from works," &c. of righteousness--Greek, "in righteousness," that is, wrought "in a state of righteousness": as "deeds . . . wrought in God." There was an utter absence in us of the element ("righteousness") in which alone righteous works could be done, and so necessarily an absence of the works. "We neither did works of righteousness, nor were saved in consequence of them; but His goodness did the whole" [THEOPHYLACT]. we--emphatically opposed to "His." mercy--the prompting cause of our salvation individually: "In pursuance of His mercy." His kindness and love to man were manifested in redemption once for all wrought by Him for mankind generally; His mercy is the prompting cause for our individual realization of it. Faith is presupposed as the instrument of our being "saved"; our being so, then, is spoken of as an accomplished fact. Faith is not mentioned, but only God's part. as Paul's object here is not to describe man's new state, but the saving agency of God in bringing about that state, independent of all merit on the man's part (see on Tit 3:4). by--Greek, "through"; by means of. the washing--rather, "the laver," that is, the baptismal font. of regeneration--designed to be the visible instrument of regeneration. "The apostles are wont to draw an argument from the sacraments to prove the thing therein signified, because it ought to be a recognized principle among the godly, that God does not mark us with empty signs, but by His power inwardly makes good what He demonstrates by the outward sign. Wherefore baptism is congruously and truly called the laver of regeneration. We must connect the sign and thing signified, so as not to make the sign empty and ineffectual; and yet not, for the sake of honoring the sign, to detract from the Holy Spirit what is peculiarly His" [CALVIN], (Pe1 3:21). Adult candidates for baptism are presupposed to have had repentance and faith (for Paul often assumes in faith and charity that those addressed are what they profess to be, though in fact some of them were not so, Co1 6:11), in which case baptism would be the visible "laver or regeneration" to them, "faith being thereby confirmed, and grace increased, by virtue of prayer to God" [Article XXVII, Church of England]. Infants are charitably presumed to have received a grace in connection with their Christian descent, in answer to the believing prayers of their parents or guardians presenting them for baptism, which grace is visibly sealed and increased by baptism, "the laver of regeneration." They are presumed to be then regenerated, until years of developed consciousness prove whether they have been actually so or not. "Born of (from) water and (no 'of' in Greek) the Spirit." The Word is the remote and anterior instrument of the new birth; Baptism, the proximate instrument. The Word, the instrument to the individual; Baptism, in relation to the Society of Christians. The laver of cleansing stood outside the door of the tabernacle, wherein the priest had to wash before entering the Holy Place; so we must wash in the laver of regeneration before we can enter the Church, whose members are "a royal priesthood." "Baptism by the Spirit" (whereof water baptism is the designed accompanying seal) makes the difference between Christian baptism and that of John. As Paul presupposes the outward Church is the visible community of the redeemed, so he speaks of baptism on the supposition that it answers to its idea; that all that is inward belonging to its completeness accompanied the outward. Hence he here asserts of outward baptism whatever is involved in the believing appropriation of the divine facts which it symbolizes, whatever is realized when baptism fully corresponds to its original design. So Gal 3:27; language holding good only of those in whom the inward living communion and outward baptism coalesce. "Saved us" applies fully to those truly regenerate alone; in a general sense it may include many who, though put within reach of salvation, shall not finally be saved. "Regeneration" occurs only once more in New Testament, Mat 19:28, that is, the new birth of the heaven and earth at Christ's second coming to renew all material things, the human body included, when the creature, now travailing in labor-throes to the birth, shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Regeneration, which now begins in the believer's soul, shall then be extended to his body, and thence to all creation. and renewing--not "the laver ('washing') of renewing," but "and BY the renewing," &c., following "saved us." To make "renewing of the Holy Ghost" follow "the laver" would destroy the balance of the clauses of the sentence, and would make baptism the seal, not only of regeneration, but also of the subsequent process of progressive sanctification ("renewing of the Holy Ghost"). Regeneration is a thing once for all done; renewing is a process daily proceeding. As "the washing," or "laver," is connected with "regeneration," so the "renewing of the Holy Ghost" is connected with "shed on us abundantly" (Tit 3:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,.... The great instance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour is salvation; which the apostle denies that it is brought about by any works, even the best works of men; for "works of righteousness" are works done according to a righteous law, and in obedience to it; and in a righteous manner, from right principles of grace, in faith, and with a view to the glory of God; or otherwise they are not righteous actions, or works of righteousness; wherefore not works before, but after conversion, are here meant; for works before conversion are not properly works of righteousness: besides, these are such which we have done, who formerly were as before described, but now are regenerated and renewed by the Holy Ghost, and created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Now salvation, neither in whole, nor in part, is by these, either as causes; conditions, or means; See Gill on Ti2 1:9; , "works of righteousness", is a Jewish phrase used for righteous or good works (z). but according to his mercy he saved us; the mercy of God is natural and essential to him, but the actings and exercise of it, towards this or the other objects, are sovereign and free, and according to his will; the effects of it are many, he is rich and abundant in it; and they are channelled in, and flow forth through the blood and righteousness of Christ; and this is the moving cause of salvation: this moved God to make a covenant with his Son, the blessings of which are the sure mercies of David, and in which God is merciful to the sins and unrighteousnesses of his people; it is owing to the tender mercy of God, that Christ, the dayspring from on high, has visited the earth; and the glory of it is very conspicuous in the affair of redemption by him; the pardon of sin is according to the multitude of God's tender mercies; and regeneration springs from the abundance of it; and even eternal life is the effect of it. Now according to this, God has "saved" his people; salvation is not only a thing determined, and resolved on in the mind of God, but is actually and completely accomplished by Jesus Christ, and an application of it is made to the saints in effectual calling; and because of the certain enjoyment of the whole of it, even eternal glory, the saints are said to be saved already; as they are also in faith and hope, as well as in Christ, their head and representative; See Gill on Eph 2:8. It follows, as the means of salvation, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; by the former is meant, not the ordinance of water baptism; for that is never expressed by washing, nor is it the cause or means of regeneration; the cause being the Spirit of God, and the means the word of God: and besides, persons ought to be regenerated before they are baptized; and they may be baptized, and yet not regenerated, as Simon Magus; nor is it a saving ordinance, or a point of salvation; nor can it be opposed to works of righteousness, as this washing is; for that itself is a work of righteousness; see Mat 3:15 and if persons were saved by that, they would be saved by a work of righteousness, contrary to the text itself: but regenerating grace is meant, or a being born of water, and of the Spirit; that is, of the grace of the Spirit, comparable to water for its purity and cleansing virtue: hence such who are regenerated and sanctified, are said to be washed and cleansed, having their hearts purified by faith, and their consciences purged from sin by the blood of Christ: by the latter, the renewing of the Holy Ghost, is meant either the fruit and effect of the former, even newness of life and conversation, under the influence of the Holy Spirit; or else the gradual increase and progress of the work of grace upon the soul, renewed day by day in the spirit of the mind, by the Holy Ghost; or rather it means the same thing with regeneration, and is added partly as explanative of the washing of regeneration, showing that that is no other than the new creature, the new man, the new heart, and new spirit, formed in the soul, in the effectual calling; and partly to observe that the Holy Ghost is the author of it. Now it is in this way God saves his people, namely, by regenerating and renewing them; in this is the first appearance and discovery of the love of God to them; this is their open passage into a state of grace, and without this there is no entrance into glory; this is the foundation of all grace and good works, and by which saints appear to be heirs of the heavenly inheritance. (z) Seder Tephillot, Ed. Amsterdam, fol. 46. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).