Evidence · Case 12 · Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Letter to Titus, chapter 3, verse 5
One exhibit from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
Paul writes that God saved us, “not because of works done by us in righteousness,” but according to his mercy.
Sources
Objections & responses
- Titus 3:5 attributes salvation to “the washing of regeneration,” which many read as baptism, a work. Witnesses baptize and could use the verse.
The sacramental reading is held by Catholics, Orthodox, and Lutherans, and it should not be assumed away. On that reading baptism is God’s act, not a human work, which does not help the Witness case. The verse’s point, that salvation is not because of works done by us in righteousness, stands on any reading of the washing, and it is that clause the verse is cited for.