Mercy before the Household Record
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
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 KJV
A family can keep a respectable outward record and still need the same mercy as everyone else. Clean habits, useful service, and a good name are valuable, but they cannot give spiritual life to a sinner.
Titus places salvation in God's mercy and the Spirit's work. We do not become His children because the household has accumulated enough worthy actions. Each person needs the Saviour personally.
This truth should make a Christian marriage humble. Gratitude for good training and faithful examples is right. Pride that treats family background as a spiritual advantage sufficient for salvation is mistaken.
Keep the gospel clear when speaking to each other, children, or guests. Explain Christ's death and resurrection and the need for faith in Him. Then let good conduct follow from the grace received. Mercy does not make faithful living unnecessary; it gives it a proper beginning. A home rooted in that truth can pursue holiness without pretending that its record is the source of God's acceptance. The deepest blessing in the household is the mercy neither spouse could earn.
Keep the passage in context
Paul teaches that salvation comes according to God's mercy through regeneration and the renewing work of the Holy Ghost, not through righteous works people have performed.
Read further: Titus 3 in the King James Bible.