3 “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7 ESV)
Titus 3:6-7 continues the Apostle Paul began in 3:3-5. In stating that the Holy Spirit is the source of regeneration, or the new birth (John 3:1-8), Paul further explains what God the Father did through the Holy Spirit on the basis of the completed work of Jesus Christ. This section is an excellent treatise regarding the Trinity.
To begin with, Paul describes God the Father pouring out the Holy Spirit. The word poured (ἐκχέω; ekcheō) means to shed or to pour out like a liquid. This was a rich pouring. Richly (πλουσίως; plousiōs) means lavishly and abundantly. God has blessed believers beyond measure (Acts 2:38–39; 1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 13; Eph. 3:20; 5:18).
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly ministry of Christ was the prerequisite for the New Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit.
It is because of the justifying grace of God that believers in Christ are heirs (Romans 8:16-17; Galatians 3:29; I Peter 1:3-5). This status in Christ provides believers with confidence before God in their anticipation of eternal life in Christ.
“The central truth of salvation is justification by faith alone. When a sinner repents and places his faith in Jesus Christ, God declares him just, imputes the righteousness of Christ to him, and gives him eternal life by virtue of the substitutionary death of Christ as the penalty for that sinner’s iniquity (Rom. 3:21–5:21; Gal. 3:6–22; Phil. 3:8–9). As adopted children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17; cf. 1 Pet. 1:3–4),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Take the opportunity today to thank God for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life (Rom. 8:9). Have a blessed day in the LORD.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 