Baptism and Regeneration

Most faith only groups deny baptismal regeneration, yet it is interesting to read their founder's writings and commentaries on Titus 3:1-7.

They almost universally say the "washing of regeneration" is a reference to Baptism.

Younger teachers of their faiths are now back pedaling against their historical view. The Assembly of God teachers being the worse.

Tit 3:5 Not by (ek) works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by (dia) the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Regeneration and salvation was" by" a washing (bath), renewal was by the Holy Spirit. Regeneration was not directly by the Holy Spirit as many teach.Both John Wesley (Methodist) and Matthew Henry (Baptist) admitted this was a reference to baptism. They in essence admitted baptism was a part of salvation and God's mercy.

This washing is distinguished from works of righteousness in the preposition used, ek vs dia, the washing was not the origin but the method God chose to use.

Matthew Henry

A new principle of grace and holiness is wrought, which sways, and governs, and makes the man a new creature. Most pretend they would have heaven at last, yet they care not for holiness now; they would have the end without the beginning. Here is the outward sign and seal thereof in baptism, called therefore the washing of regeneration.

Matthew Henry incorrectly concluded all washings were to cleanse the body only,

(6.) Here is the outward sign and seal thereof in baptism, called therefore the washing of regeneration. The work itself is inward and spiritual; but it is outwardly signified and sealed in this ordinance. Water is of a cleansing and purifying nature, does away the filth of the flesh, and so was apt to signify the doing away of the guilt and defilement of sin by the blood and Spirit of Christ, though that aptness alone, without Christ's institution, would not have been sufficient.

baptism was a testimony concerning the consciounce according to I Peter 3:21. In the act of baptism was a mental testimony not just a physical washing,an answer in Peter's wording, so that Henry did not give to baptism all that Peter did.

Interestingly, Henry did say you had to be baptized to be saved. He called it a seal of righteousness "by faith",thus he did not separate baptism from faith as do many Baptists today. He said it saved figuratively and sacramentally.

He even used Acts 22:16 and Ephesians 5:26 as proof of baptism's usage in calling upon God's name and being saved sacramentally.

This it is that makes it of this signification on God's part, a seal of righteousness by faith, as circumcision was, in the place of which it succeeds; and on ours an engagement to be the Lord's. Thus baptism saves figuratively and sacramentally, where it is rightly used. Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord, Act_22:16. So Eph_5:26, That he might sanctify and cleanse us by the washing of water by the word. Slight not this outward sign and seal, where it may be had according to Christ's appointment; yet rest not in the outward washing, but look to the answer of a good conscience, without which the external washing will avail nothing. The covenant sealed in baptism binds to duties, as well as exhibits and conveys benefits and privileges; if the former be not minded, in vain are the latter expected. Sever not what God has joined; in both the outer and inner part is baptism complete; as he that was circumcised became debtor to the whole law (Gal_5:3), so is he that is baptized to the gospel, to observe all the commands and ordinances thereof, as Christ appointed. Disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, Mat_28:19, Mat_28:20. This is the outward sign and seal of salvation, baptism, called here the washing of regeneration.

He admits the Covenant is sealed in baptism.

He also said one is baptized to the Gospel, another lost concept among faith only groups.

I am thankful he sees baptism as a beginning and trusts in God to fulfill salvation later but he shouldn't look more to one part of salvation over another. All parts are from God.

Slight not this outward sign and seal, where it may be had according to Christ's appointment; yet rest not in the outward washing, but look to the answer of a good conscience, without which the external washing will avail nothing.

I wish he would not use one part above another ,as all have their place in the salvation process.

John Wesley

Titus 3:5

Not by works - In this important passage the apostle presents us with a delightful view of our redemption. Herein we have, The cause of it; not our works or righteousness, but "the kindness and love of God our Saviour." The effects; which are, Justification; "being justified," pardoned and accepted through the alone merits of Christ, not from any desert in us, but according to his own mercy, "by his grace," his free, unmerited goodness. Sanctification, expressed by the laver of regeneration, (that is, baptism, the thing signified, as well as the outward sign,) and the renewal of the Holy Ghost; which purifies the soul, as water cleanses the body, and renews it in the whole image of God. The consummation of all; - that we might become heirs of eternal life, and live now in the joyful hope of it.

It was universally accepted, by men like Henry and Wesley, that the washing of regeneration was baptism. Splits did not come concerning the usage together until more recent attempts to contradict that baptism was the washing of regeneration.

Today there is some creative reasoning that denies this connection.

Historically Wesley taught baptism was for sanctification after being saved, pretty interesting since they baptize infants, denying any role in cleansing. A significant contradiction that babies take on the sanctification through faith.

They denied Ephesians 5:23-26 which affirmed water was for sanctification and cleansing..

Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

In this area they were unbelievers.

William Whittingham (Calvinist Translator of Geneva Bible 1500's).

Titus 3:3-5

(2) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

(2) He confirms again the former exhortation by propounding the free benefit of our regeneration, the symbol of which is our baptism. (Ed.)