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| English: Gian Lorenzo Bernini - Dove of the Holy Spirit (ca. 1660, stained glass, Throne of St. Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican) |
Does Titus 3:5 “Washing for Regeneration”
Mean that Baptism is Necessary for Salvation?
Dr. Jay A. Quine
Titus 3:5
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 word “regeneration” is a noun of action (like “love,” or “war” or “wash”). When put in the genitive case, it can be taken two ways: either subjective genitive or objective genitive.
If it were objective genitive (“regeneration” as the object of the verbal thought) it would read, “washing for regeneration,” where the washing produces the regeneration.
If it were subjective genitive (“regeneration” as the subject of the verbal thought) it would read, “washing of (or even “by”) regeneration,” where the regeneration produces the cleansing.
Which is it?
The answer is found in the next phrase! CONTEXT saves the day once again!!!
The phrase “renewing by the Holy Spirit” is the exact same kind of genitive construction. This cannot be taken as an objective genitive or else you would have “renewing for the Holy Spirit.” But clearly it is the Holy Spirit who does the renewing, not that we are renewed then receive the Holy Spirit. So this phrase must be a subjective genitive “renewing of (or even “by”) the Holy Spirit.”
Since this second phrase is subjective genitive it is VERY LIKELY that Paul intended the two phrases to be subjective genitive. This would be normal Greek syntax. Furthermore, Paul frequently strings many genitives together to be used the same way as here. It would be VERY UNUSUAL for him to use one and then the other uses of the genitive case back to back.
Therefore, Titus 3:5 is not saying that baptism (the “washing”) is FOR regeneration, but that the washing is of what regeneration produces, namely, washing BY regeneration.
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