Titus 3:5 – He Saved Us by His Mercy: The Heart of the Gospel

What if everything you believed about earning God’s approval was wrong? What if all your efforts to be “good enough” were unnecessary? What if salvation had nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with God’s mercy?

Titus 3:5 is one of the clearest, most powerful declarations of the Gospel in all of Scripture. In a single verse, Paul demolishes every human attempt at self-salvation and points us to the sole foundation of our hope: the mercy of God.

This verse is a lifeline for the guilt-ridden, a comfort for the weary, and a rebuke to the self-righteous. It declares that salvation is not a reward for good behavior but a gift of divine compassion. Whether you are struggling with shame, drowning in legalism, or simply longing to understand the heart of the Gospel, Titus 3:5 will transform how you see God, yourself, and salvation.

Let us explore this magnificent verse and discover the liberating truth that He saved us—not by works, but by His mercy.

The Complete Scripture: Titus 3:5 (NIV)

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
— Titus 3:5 (NIV)

Other translations render this verse with slight variations:

• ESV: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
• KJV: “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.”
• NASB: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

The core message is unmistakable: Salvation is entirely God’s work, rooted in His mercy, accomplished through spiritual rebirth, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Context: Paul’s Letter to Titus

Who Was Titus?

Titus was one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers and spiritual sons in the faith. He was:

• A Gentile believer (Galatians 2:3)
• Paul’s companion on multiple missionary journeys (2 Corinthians 8:23)
• A skilled mediator who helped resolve conflicts in the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 7:6-7, 13-15)
• Appointed by Paul to organize the church in Crete (Titus 1:5)

Paul’s letter to Titus (written around AD 63-65) is a pastoral epistle—practical instruction for church leadership and Christian living.

The Challenge of Crete

Crete was a notoriously difficult mission field. Paul quotes a Cretan prophet who said:

“Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”
— Titus 1:12

The church in Crete faced:

• Moral corruption from pagan culture
• False teachers spreading legalism and Jewish myths (Titus 1:10-14)
• Confusion about the relationship between faith and works

Into this context, Paul writes Titus 3:3-8, a powerful summary of the Gospel that corrects false teaching and anchors believers in the truth of salvation by mercy.

Why Paul Wrote This Verse

Paul had just described humanity’s hopeless condition before salvation (Titus 3:3):

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”

Then comes the glorious “But…” (Titus 3:4):

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…”

Titus 3:5 explains how and why God saved us. It is the theological foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built.

Breaking Down Titus 3:5: The Anatomy of Salvation

“He saved us” – The Past Tense of Salvation

Greek: ἔσωσεν ἡμᾶς (esōsen hēmas)

“Saved” (esōsen) is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past. This means:

• Salvation is not a process you’re working toward—it is a finished work (John 19:30)
• If you are in Christ, you are already saved, not “being saved” or “hoping to be saved”
• Your salvation was secured at the cross and applied at the moment of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This is the doctrine of justification: The moment you believe, God declares you righteous, forgiven, and saved—past tense, done deal.

Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:8 – “For it is by grace you have been saved.”

“Not because of righteous things we had done” – The Exclusion of Works

Greek: οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων τῶν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ ἃ ἐποιήσαμεν ἡμεῖς (ouk ex ergōn tōn en dikaiosynē ha epoiēsamen hēmeis)

Paul could not be more explicit: Salvation is NOT because of works of righteousness we have done.

“Works of righteousness” refers to:

• Moral deeds – being a “good person”
• Religious rituals – church attendance, baptism, communion
• Obedience to the law – keeping the Ten Commandments, Old Testament law
• Self-improvement – trying to become worthy of God’s acceptance

Paul eliminates every human contribution to salvation.

Why can’t works save us?

1. Our works are tainted by sin (Isaiah 64:6)
2. We cannot meet God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23)
3. Salvation by works would make us proud (Ephesians 2:9)
4. It would nullify grace (Galatians 2:21)
5. It would make Christ’s death unnecessary (Galatians 5:4)

Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law.”

Galatians 2:16 – “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”

“But because of his mercy” – The Foundation of Grace

Greek: κατὰ τὸ αὐτοῦ ἔλεος (kata to autou eleos)

“Mercy” (eleos) means compassion, kindness, pity toward those in need.

Salvation is “according to His mercy”—it flows from God’s character, not our worthiness.

Key truth: God saved us not because we deserved it, but because He is merciful by nature.

Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

“The washing of rebirth” – Spiritual Regeneration

Greek: διὰ λουτροῦ παλιγγενεσίας (dia loutrou palingenesias)

“Washing” (loutrou) refers to cleansing, purification.

“Rebirth” (palingenesia) is a compound word:

• Palin = again
• Genesis = birth

Literally: “born again” or “regeneration”.

This is spiritual rebirth—the moment God makes a dead sinner spiritually alive (Ephesians 2:1, 5).

John 3:3 – Jesus declared, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

1 Peter 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

This is not about physical water baptism (though baptism symbolizes it). It is about God’s supernatural work of making spiritually dead people spiritually alive.

“And renewal by the Holy Spirit” – Ongoing Transformation

Greek: καὶ ἀνακαινώσεως Πνεύματος Ἁγίου (kai anakainōseōs Pneumatos Hagiou)

“Renewal” (anakainōsis) means making new, renovation, transformation.

While “washing of rebirth” refers to the initial moment of salvation (regeneration), “renewal by the Holy Spirit” refers to the ongoing process of transformation (sanctification).

The same Spirit who gives you new birth continues to renew you daily (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Titus 3:6 (the next verse) clarifies: God “poured out [the Spirit] on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

The Doctrine of Mercy: Understanding God’s Compassion

What is Mercy?

Mercy is withholding the punishment we deserve.

• We deserve death (Romans 6:23)
• We deserve wrath (Ephesians 2:3)
• We deserve eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

But God, in His mercy, does not give us what we deserve. Instead, He gives us what we don’t deserve—forgiveness, salvation, eternal life.

The Difference Between Mercy and Grace

Mercy and grace are closely related but distinct:

• Mercy = NOT giving us the bad we deserve (withholding judgment)
• Grace = Giving us the good we DON’T deserve (bestowing blessing)

Example:

• A judge shows mercy when he doesn’t sentence a guilty criminal
• A judge shows grace when he pays the criminal’s fine himself

God does both: He withholds judgment (mercy) and lavishes us with blessings (grace) through Christ.

Biblical Examples of God’s Mercy

Psalm 103:10 – “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Luke 18:13 – The tax collector prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus said this man went home justified.

1 Timothy 1:13 – Paul wrote, “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.”

Why Works Cannot Save Us

The Problem of Human Righteousness

Romans 3:10 – “There is no one righteous, not even one.”

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Even our best efforts are contaminated by sin:

• Pride – “Look how good I am”
• Self-righteousness – “I’m better than others”
• Imperfection – We still fall short of God’s standard

Isaiah’s “Filthy Rags”

Isaiah 64:6 – “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”

The Hebrew word for “filthy rags” refers to menstrual cloths—ceremonially unclean and repulsive.

Even our best deeds are offensive to a holy God when offered as payment for salvation.

The Impossibility of Earning Salvation

Galatians 3:10 – “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.'”

To be saved by works, you would have to:

• Keep the entire law perfectly (James 2:10)
• Never sin once (Romans 6:23)
• Be as righteous as Jesus (Matthew 5:48)

This is impossible. That’s why we need mercy.

The Washing of Rebirth: What Does It Mean?

Regeneration Explained

Regeneration is the supernatural act of God whereby He imparts spiritual life to a spiritually dead person (Ephesians 2:1, 5).

Before regeneration:

• You are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1)
• You are hostile to God (Romans 8:7)
• You cannot please God (Romans 8:8)
• You are enslaved to sin (Romans 6:17)

After regeneration:

• You are spiritually alive (Ephesians 2:5)
• You have peace with God (Romans 5:1)
• You desire to please God (1 John 3:9)
• You are freed from sin’s power (Romans 6:18)

The New Birth in Scripture

Ezekiel 36:25-27 (Old Testament prophecy) – “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean… I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you… And I will put my Spirit in you.”

John 3:5-8 – Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit… You must be born again.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Water and Spirit Baptism

Does “washing of rebirth” refer to water baptism?

No—though baptism is connected.

Water baptism is:

• An outward symbol of an inward reality (Romans 6:3-4)
• An act of obedience following salvation (Acts 2:38; 8:36-38)
• A public testimony of faith in Christ

But baptism does not save you. If it did, Paul would contradict himself (he just said we’re saved “not by works”).

The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43).

“Washing of rebirth” refers to spiritual cleansing by the Holy Spirit, not physical water.

Renewal by the Holy Spirit: The Ongoing Work

The Spirit’s Role in Salvation

The Holy Spirit:

• Convicts of sin (John 16:8)
• Regenerates the believer (Titus 3:5; John 3:5-6)
• Seals the believer for eternity (Ephesians 1:13-14)
• Indwells the believer permanently (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Sanctifies the believer progressively (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
• Empowers for service (Acts 1:8)
• Produces fruit in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23)

Daily Renewal and Sanctification

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The same Spirit who saved you is transforming you into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Evidence of the Spirit’s Work

Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

1 John 3:9 – “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”

If you are truly saved, the Holy Spirit will produce evidence in your life—not to earn salvation, but as proof you already have it.

How Titus 3:5 Answers Life’s Biggest Questions

“How Can I Be Saved?”

Answer: By trusting in God’s mercy through Jesus Christ, not by your own efforts.

Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

“Am I Good Enough for God?”

Answer: No one is good enough—that’s why we need mercy.

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

The good news: God doesn’t require you to be good enough. He requires you to trust in Jesus, who is good enough on your behalf.

“What If I Fail Again?”

Answer: Your salvation is not based on your performance, but on God’s mercy.

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans 8:1 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Your failures don’t disqualify you. God’s mercy covers you.

The Relationship Between Faith and Works

Saved by Grace, Not by Works

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done.”

Salvation is 100% God’s work, 0% ours.

But Faith Without Works is Dead

James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James 2:26 – “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

How do we reconcile this?

• Works do not PRODUCE salvation (cause)
• Works PROVE salvation (evidence)

Works as Evidence, Not Cause

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Titus 3:8 (three verses later) – “Those who have trusted in God must be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

The order is crucial:

1. Salvation by mercy (Titus 3:5)
2. Then good works as a result (Titus 3:8; Ephesians 2:10)

Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the root.

Practical Implications: Living in Light of God’s Mercy

Humility: We Bring Nothing to the Table

Luke 18:13 – The tax collector said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

If salvation is by mercy, we have nothing to boast about (Ephesians 2:9).

Gratitude: Responding to Undeserved Love

Luke 7:47 – “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

The more you grasp God’s mercy, the more you will love Him.

Assurance: Our Salvation is Secure

John 10:28-29 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

If salvation depended on your works, you could never be sure. But because it depends on God’s mercy, it is secure.

Mission: Sharing the Mercy We’ve Received

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Matthew 10:8 – “Freely you have received; freely give.”

Common Misconceptions About Salvation

“I’m Too Sinful to Be Saved”

Response: That’s exactly why you need mercy.

1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

No one is too sinful for God’s mercy (Romans 5:20).

“I Need to Clean Up My Life First”

Response: You can’t clean yourself. That’s God’s job.

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Come to God as you are. He will clean you up.

“I Can Lose My Salvation Through Sin”

Response: If salvation is by mercy, not works, then it cannot be lost by works.

John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

**However, true salvation produces ongoing transformation (1 John 3:9). If someone claims to be saved but shows no evidence of the Spirit’s work, their salvation is questionable (Matthew 7:20).

Biblical Examples of Salvation by Mercy

The Thief on the Cross

Luke 23:42-43 – “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”

The thief did nothing:

• No baptism
• No church membership
• No good deeds
• Just faith in Jesus

Result: Immediate salvation.

The Woman Caught in Adultery

John 8:10-11 – “Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.'”

Mercy first, then transformation.

The Apostle Paul

1 Timothy 1:13, 15-16 – “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

If God showed mercy to Paul, He can show mercy to anyone.

Related Bible Verses on Salvation by Mercy

On Mercy:

• Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
• James 2:13 – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

On Salvation Not by Works:

• Romans 11:6 – “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
• Galatians 2:21 – “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
• Philippians 3:9 – “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.”

On Regeneration:

• John 1:12-13 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
• 1 Peter 1:23 – “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

A Prayer of Gratitude for God’s Mercy

Merciful Father,

I come before You not because I am worthy, but because You are merciful. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. I have broken Your law, fallen short of Your glory, and deserved Your wrath.

Thank You that You did not give me what I deserved. Thank You that You saved me not because of righteous things I had done, but because of Your mercy. Thank You for the washing of rebirth—for making me spiritually alive when I was dead in sin. Thank You for the renewal by the Holy Spirit—for transforming me day by day into the likeness of Christ.

I can take no credit for my salvation. It is all Your work, from start to finish. You initiated it, You accomplished it, and You will complete it. All glory, honor, and praise belong to You.

Lord, let this truth sink deep into my soul. When I am tempted to earn Your favor, remind me that I already have it through Christ. When I fail, remind me that my salvation rests on Your mercy, not my performance. When I am proud, humble me with the knowledge that I brought nothing to the table.

Fill me with gratitude that overflows into worship. Fill me with humility that overflows into service. Fill me with love that overflows into mission. Let me share the mercy I have received with a world desperate for grace.

To You alone be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Titus 3:5 mean good works don’t matter at all?

No—it means good works don’t SAVE you, but they DO matter as EVIDENCE of salvation. Titus 3:5 says we are saved “not because of righteous things we had done,” but Titus 3:8 (three verses later) says, “Those who have trusted in God must be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” The order is crucial: salvation by mercy FIRST, then good works as a RESULT. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—but saving faith is never alone. It always produces fruit (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17). Good works are the evidence of genuine salvation, not the cause.

What is the “washing of rebirth”—is it baptism?

No, “washing of rebirth” refers to spiritual regeneration (being born again), not water baptism. While baptism is a beautiful symbol of spiritual cleansing and identification with Christ (Romans 6:3-4), baptism itself does not save (if it did, Paul would be contradicting his own statement that we are saved “not by works”). The “washing” is spiritual—God cleanses us from sin and gives us new spiritual life through the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8; Ezekiel 36:25-27). Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality, but the “washing of rebirth” is the supernatural work of God in regeneration.

If salvation is by mercy alone, why do I still struggle with sin?

Because salvation is a three-stage process: justification (past), sanctification (present), and glorification (future). Justification happened the moment you believed—you were declared righteous, forgiven, and saved (past tense: “He saved us”). Sanctification is the ongoing process of being transformed into Christ’s likeness—it lasts your entire life (2 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 1:6). Glorification will happen when you see Christ face-to-face—you will be perfectly sinless and complete (1 John 3:2; Philippians 3:20-21). You still struggle because you are being sanctified, not yet glorified. But the presence of struggle doesn’t mean you’re not saved—it means the Holy Spirit is actively working in you. 1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves.” The key is that true believers do not continue in unrepentant sin (1 John 3:9)—they fight it, confess it, and grow in holiness.