Objection · Case 12 · Jehovah’s Witnesses
Titus 3:5 attributes salvation to “the washing of regeneration,” which many read as baptism, a work. Witnesses baptize and could use the verse.
One objection from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
Response
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.
About this exhibit
This objection is to The Letter to Titus, chapter 3, verse 5.
Paul writes that God saved us, “not because of works done by us in righteousness,” but according to his mercy.
Under Claim 10: The New Testament presents salvation as a gift received by grace through faith, apart from earning it by works.