Paul’s epistle to Titus describes how men have been rescued from their sin and wickedness, being saved not by their works, but by the grace and goodness of God. This letter was written to instruct the church in sound doctrine and godly living, but at its core it presents one of the clearest summaries of the gospel message: salvation is entirely the work of God, from beginning to end. Humanity, lost in sin and unable to save itself, is redeemed solely through divine mercy.
Paul reminds Titus that before knowing Christ, people lived enslaved to passions, desires, and disobedience. There was no righteousness in them that could earn God’s favor. This honest diagnosis of the human condition is essential, because it removes all grounds for pride. If salvation depended even partially on human effort, then grace would no longer be grace. Paul makes it clear that redemption is rooted not in what we have done, but in what God has done for us.
The love and goodness of the Lord have been so great that He made an enormous sacrifice by giving His life to show us the only way that leads to salvation. God did not wait for humanity to improve itself or prove its worth. Instead, while mankind was still in rebellion, He acted in love. Through Christ, God revealed His kindness in a tangible and historical way, entering human history to redeem those who were hopelessly lost.
This salvation is not merely a legal declaration, but a transformation of life. God calls His people to walk without sin and without stain, not by their own strength, but through the power of His grace. He rescues us through His justice, fully satisfied in Christ, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, who applies redemption to our hearts. Let us see how God’s goodness and mercy reached humanity:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:4-5
These verses mark a turning point in Paul’s explanation. The phrase “after that” signals a divine intervention. Humanity was lost, but God acted. The kindness and love of God appeared, not as an abstract idea, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This appearance of divine grace changed everything, opening the door to salvation for those who believe.
Paul emphasizes that salvation is “not by works of righteousness which we have done.” This statement directly confronts the natural human tendency to trust in good deeds, moral effort, or religious activity. While good works have their place in the Christian life, they are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. Mercy, not merit, is the foundation of redemption.
The apostle then explains how this mercy is applied: through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration refers to the new birth, the moment when God gives spiritual life to a dead heart. Renewal speaks of an ongoing process, where the Holy Spirit continually transforms the believer, shaping him into the likeness of Christ.
This work of the Holy Spirit separates us from sin and from the corrupt influences that once dominated our lives. It does not mean that believers become instantly perfect, but it does mean that they are no longer slaves to sin. A new direction, new desires, and a new identity are established by God’s power.
Many may think that they are on the right path thanks to their own works and efforts, but let me tell you that this is not the case. Self-reliance is one of the greatest obstacles to true faith. As long as a person believes that salvation can be earned, the grace of God will remain misunderstood and unappreciated.
What you must believe is that you have been rescued by the favor, goodness, and mercy of God. Salvation is a rescue mission, not a reward. Scripture consistently presents humanity as helpless without divine intervention. God reaches down, lifts us from spiritual death, and places us in new life through Christ.
This truth produces humility and gratitude in the believer’s heart. There is no room for boasting when salvation is understood as a gift. Instead, there is worship, obedience, and a desire to live in a way that honors the One who saved us. Grace does not lead to careless living, but to a transformed life motivated by love.
We have been renewed by His Holy Spirit, who continues to work within us daily. This renewal is evidence that salvation is alive and active. The Spirit convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and empowers us to resist temptation. Through His work, believers grow in holiness and maturity.
This renewal also unites believers into one body, the church, where God’s grace is displayed through love, service, and good works. These works are not performed to earn salvation, but as a response to it. They become a testimony to the transforming power of God’s mercy.
Dear friends and brothers, let us always remember that we have been rescued thanks to the work and grace of our Lord. Our hands did not achieve salvation; our efforts did not secure forgiveness. Everything we have in Christ is the result of His sacrifice, His mercy, and His faithfulness.
This understanding guards us against pride and legalism, and it fills our hearts with hope. If salvation depended on us, we would lose it easily. But because it depends on God, it is secure. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is enduring, and His promises never fail.
Therefore, let us walk confidently in the grace we have received, living lives that reflect gratitude, obedience, and faith. May our trust rest fully in God’s saving work, and may we proclaim with joy that salvation belongs to the Lord alone. Amen.