Clean!

Washing of regeneration…Titus 3:5

Have you noticed how many references there are to washing and salvation? Here is one for starters: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, God will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Does sin make us dirty?

Speaking of the church, Paul writes, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 5:26. Speaking to the church, Paul writes, therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Corinthians 7:1 There it is again, ‘filthiness’? 

It appears, sinners need to be made clean. According to the Bible this is done by the Holy Spirit. Back to Titus 3:3: For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. Wow, that does not sound good! But, verses 4 & 5: But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…Thank God for Jesus!

For Jesus saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…Verse 6. But there is more: The Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life, Verse 7. Is this what it means to be washed by the blood?

Our washing is an act of God. As opposed to our works of righteousness. We can wash ourselves all we want in whatever we want but the stain of our sin remains. Sin can only be removed by God according to His mercy. Father, Son, and Spirit are all three involved. God’s mercy. Jesus’ blood. The Spirit’s regeneration. 

So, who God makes clean is clean indeed.