Many arguments have arisen over the meaning of this term, found in Titus 3:5. Some insist that it specifically refers to the work of water baptism in bringing about a spiritual new birth. Others react to the opposite extreme and insist that the water is only the outward symbol and testimony of the inner work performed by the Holy Spirit in cleansing the inner man through faith. Both sides of the question have real contributions to make, but both suffer from overemphasis. We can best understand this Scripture in light of the total doctrine of salvation, in which both the Word and water baptism play essential roles.

Salvation is something God does for us, not something we can do ourselves.

If baptism itself were the whole cause of salvation, we could save ourselves or force others to be saved by plunging them into water. The context of this passage brings out the contrast between God’s grace and our own efforts. Paul is stressing the necessity of the operation of the Holy Spirit to produce any spiritual life within us.  

But after that the kindness and 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, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7). 

 Inner washing requires the working of the Word within us.

We only hear and receive a word from God by faith, but that faith is then expressed in obedience to the word. Any experience with God works this same way: the Holy Spirit applies the word of truth to us here and now, creating faith in us to relate us to the benefits which are already available in Christ. Water baptism is no exception to this. 

… Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:26-27). 

 

It is clear from the context here that more than water baptism is included. There is a continual inner changing and cleansing which happens as we submit to God’s Word. Water baptism is one instance of receiving such inner cleansing. Through obedience, we make it possible for God to come to us inside where we need Him. 

 The New Testament contains no symbols or types, only fulfillments.

The Old Testament has often been called God’s picture story book. Many things required of God’s people under the old Covenant prepared the way for better things to come. These obedience’s served a two-fold purpose: (1) to enable Israel to find God’s mercy under arrangements God made prior to the coming of Christ, and (2) to portray the fullness of reality which would be found only in Jesus Christ. Now that the substance has come, we no longer see shadows or types. All New Covenant obedience’s are in themselves points of contact with the living God. Symbols have been done away.(See Hebrews, chapters 8 and 10).