A Rescue He Could Not Earn
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 Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:5-7 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Henry's toy boat floated out of reach. He stretched toward it, but Mom told him to stay safely beside her. A park worker used a long net and brought the boat back.
Henry thanked him. He had not been able to bring the boat in by wishing harder. He needed help beyond his reach.
Our need for salvation is far greater than a lost toy. Titus teaches that God saves according to His mercy, not because we have done enough good things. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Only He can save us.
Thankfulness begins by recognizing the help we could never provide for ourselves.
For the grown-up reading along
Paul grounds salvation in God's mercy, regeneration by the Holy Ghost, and justification by grace through Jesus Christ. Righteous works cannot cause salvation. The surrounding chapter then calls believers to useful good works.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Titus 3 in the King James Bible.