Daily Sacrifice, October 12 (3:5)
“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” —Titus 3:5.
GOD’S sovereignty enables Him to deal in grace with erring mortals, apart altogether from any ability on their part to earn or deserve His loving favor. But our poor, legal hearts respond very feebly to His goodness and loving-kindness. It is difficult for us to abide in a sense of grace. We would far rather try to put God in our debt (Rom. 4:4) than take Him at His word and receive His gifts in simple faith. When we do come to Him in faith we are regenerated and God the Spirit takes His abode in us.
―J. G. Deck.