The Washing of Regeneration

August 25, 2024 Background Scripture: Titus 3:3 - 1 1 Lesson Passage: Titus 3:3 - 11 Old habits are hard to break even when we make up our minds to do so. The fact is they are habits because we habitually do them. Therefore, it helps to be reminded of our commitment to do something that has not yet become a habit. Paul shares this advice prior to closing this letter. The Cretans were notorious for being lawbreakers. As Christians, they were obligated to become law-abiding citizens. Apparently, the Cretans were taught this before, therefore Paul instructed Titus to remind them of who they had become in Christ. They were to display a humble attitude towards all people. To aid them in this, Titus needed to remind them that they were at one time just like those who they may be tempted to disrespect or look down on. Behaving more Christlike towards others will also show that being a Christian makes a difference in one's character. That difference came about because of salvation in Jesus Christ. Although this letter addresses the importance of a change in behavior that comes because of salvation, Paul is careful to point out that good works do not produce salvation. Salvation is an act of God's grace to deliver us from the penalty of our sin. Because God has graciously saved us, we are now joint heirs of eternal life with Jesus Christ. Paul used the phrase "the washing of regeneration" to describe the spiritual baptism of the believer by the Holy Spirit, Judaism defined many washings, or purifications, in the Law. Those are physical examples of something that God does spiritually. Water baptism is a reminder that the believer has been immersed in the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ. This is what John the Baptist talked about when he said that he came baptizing with water, but the one who was coming after him will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. John's baptism with water was symbolic of Jesus' baptism with the Holy Spirit. Every Christian has been saved through immersion in the Holy Spirit by Jesus. The Holy Spirit washes and regenerates us. Jesus declared that anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit does not belong to Him. The phrase "renewing of the Holy Spirit" follows the "washing of regeneration" in this letter. Together these phrases describe justification and sanctification. Justification is the instantaneous, once and for all times, work of the Holy Spirit to save a person from the penalty of their sin; that is the washing of regeneration. Christians are only saved one time. We cannot be saved and then lost and then saved again, When we are saved, it is forever. We have been justified and are seen by God just as if we have not sinned. After we are saved from the penalty of sin, there is a progressive deliverance from the power of sin in our daily living. This is the "renewing of the Holy Spirit" which we refer to as sanctification. This is how we can do good works that please God although we still have issues. Because of God's gracious act of salvation, we should be careful to continue in good works. Good works demonstrate our sanctification. Again, Christians don't do good works to be saved. Christians do good works because we have been saved. Good works have the practical benefit of helping people. Christians are also advised to avoid pointless arguments that do not edify, or build up, anyone. Finally, Paul wrote that people who reject the basic tenets of the Christian faith in favor of satisfying their own lusts should be rejected by the church after being admonished twice to no avail. They will continue to live according to their own desires until they too receive the washing of regeneration. Robert C. Hudson August 15, 2024