Saved by the Washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit

“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 3:5

Saved and washed by Regeneration through Christ. Regeneration is the new birth into the family of God. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible seed, by the word of God,” [see 1 Peter 1:23]. Regeneration is a total washing of sin and anything else that is unclean to a newness of life. It is a spiritual renewal from death to life. This is the new life imparted by God through the Holy Spirit. In other words, one cannot achieve the process of regeneration on their own. Regeneration requires the Holy Spirit to do the work of being born again. The apostle Paul stated that it is the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.

It is not by our own works of righteousness, but by the mercy and grace of God. We are quickened into a new creation through the operation of the Holy Spirit. We are born into the Spirit of Christ.

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that if any man be in Christ, then he is a new creature. A new creation and whatever was before is now passed away. We must believe that this is so. This means that a change took place within the individual. The result is a new nature, character, desire, and purpose in life. This is why Paul stated, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature,” [Galatians 6:15]. Are you a new creature in Christ? Have you experienced the spiritual renewal and the remission of sins? If your life is alienated from the life of God, then repent now and ask God to reveal what is holding you back from becoming a new creation in Christ.

We are to be renewed in the Spirit of our mind through the word of God. Paul tells the Ephesians to put off the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. [see Ephesians 4:24.] We are not to give place to the devil by going back to our old ways of life. No, there is a change to take place within our nature. That change comes by faith in Jesus Christ. Our part is to repent and have faith in Jesus who is the giver of everlasting life. Jesus who died for our sins on the cross. Jesus told Nicodemus the following:

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5

Born of water and the Spirit. The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Our soul, body, and spirit are quickened by the Holy Spirit. This seems hard to believe, but it is true and can only happen when we have surrendered all to Him. Sometimes a person may need more time in surrendering all to Jesus. An individual may need time in gaining an understanding on how God works. When we believe in Christ, the ministry of reconciliation begins. This is the process of reconciling all men to God. When we believe, our position changes. When we believe, we are adopted into the family of God. This is the privilege of becoming His child. There are three effects to regeneration. It is adoption, spiritual union with God, and righteous living.

There must be a demonstration in an individual character and nature by letting go of the past life and witnessing the victory over sin and temptation. The fruit of the Spirit must work through the individual into the image of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and gentleness as is stated in Galatians 5:22. Every day we must surrender our self-will to that of the will of God. We must know within our own heart that we have been changed. We are justified by faith. As we believe Jesus who is the author of our faith, He will finish the divine work through the Holy Spirit. We must go on to perfection in God. To be complete in Him. There are three stages to perfection. That of positional in Christ, continuing in absolute perfection in Christ towards maturity, and ultimate perfection at the time of His resurrection.

As a believer in Christ, we take all things to God in prayer. We do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, for those who believe are sealed with the inheritance until redemption. [see Ephesians 1:14]. We are dependent upon the divine acts of God through the Holy Spirit. Thus, with the washing of regeneration, we have a clear conscious before God and man. We are renewed through the Holy Spirit every day to do the will of God.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21