Saved by Mercy: Not Earned, But Transformed

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” -Titus 3:5

Today, we speak about a truth so central to our faith that if we truly grasp it, it will transform how we see God, ourselves, and each other. That truth is the mercy of God, and it is the very foundation of our salvation.

A powerful verse from Paul’s letter to Titus, where Paul reminds him of the heart of the Gospel.

There’s a fundamental question that many of us ponder at some point in our lives:

 “How can I be right with God?”

In a world that often evaluates worth based on performance—our work ethic, achievements, and overall goodness—it’s natural to carry that thinking into our spiritual journey. We might envision God keeping score, weighing our good actions against our mistakes, and hoping for a favourable outcome.

However, what if you knew that God’s love and salvation aren’t contingent upon our spiritual accomplishments? He doesn’t save us based on our goodness; rather, He offers salvation because of His unparalleled goodness.

This concept is powerfully expressed in Titus 3:5, a verse that encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. It serves as a reminder of God’s incredible mercy, the limitations of self-righteousness, and the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. Embracing this truth can lead to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and enhance our spiritual journey.

Discover the wisdom and guidance of Scripture—join us today to explore the Bible and deepen your faith 

1. Not Because of Righteous Things We Had Done

Paul begins with a surprising confession:

“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done…”

This phrase may be short, but it carries profound theological and personal meaning. Paul is making it crystal clear: our salvation is not earned.

a.            a.     The Human Tendency: Trying to Earn God’s Favour

People throughout history—and even many believers today—tend to believe that if they’re “good enough,” God will accept them:

• If I go to church…
• If I give to the poor…
• If I avoid major sins…
• If I live a moral life…

These are all good things, but Paul tells us plainly: None of them saves us.

Salvation does not come because of our efforts, goodness, or religious performance. The scripture says in Ephesians 2:8-9;

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

b.         b.     Our Righteousness Falls Short

Even our best behaviour isn’t enough to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Isaiah 64:6 states;

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags…”

This verse is not saying we are all horrible people—it’s saying that even the best parts of us are stained by sin without God's grace. So, the focus shifts from what we do to what God has done.

       c.     Why This Truth Matters

• It humbles us.
  We cannot take credit for our salvation. We must admit we need God's help—completely.

• It lifts the burden.
  We do not have to strive or live in fear of not being “good enough.” Jesus is enough.

• It protects the Gospel.
  If we believe salvation comes from our works, we distort the message of grace. We turn the good news into a to-do list.

Imagine trying to build a ladder to heaven with your good deeds. You add rung after rung—kindness, giving, church attendance, prayer. But the ladder never reaches high enough.

Then Jesus comes, not with another rung, but with a bridge. He brings you to God by His mercy, not your effort.

2. But Because of His Mercy

This short phrase contains the heart of the Gospel. After making it clear that we are not saved by our own righteousness, Paul gives us the real reason for our salvation:

“...but because of His mercy.”

Now comes the beautiful contrast: This contrast is powerful. It shows that our failure isn’t the end of the story—God’s mercy is.

You are not saved by your goodness. You are saved by God’s mercy. Let this truth shatter pride, remove fear, and bring rest to your soul.

a.       a.     What Is Mercy?

Mercy is God’s compassion toward the undeserving.

• If Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve (eternal life, blessing, forgiveness),

• Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve (judgment, punishment, separation from God).

Mercy is the heartbeat of God's interaction with sinners. It’s God looking at us—flawed, broken, rebellious—and still choosing to love, rescue, and restore us.

b.         b.     Biblical Examples of God’s Mercy

• The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
  The son deserved rejection. But when he returned, the father ran to him, embraced him, and restored him. That is mercy.

• King David (Psalm 51)
  After sinning greatly, David cried out, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love.” God forgave and restored him.

• Jesus on the Cross (Luke 23:34)
  Even while being crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.” Mercy at its most radical expression.

c.         c.      God’s Character Is Mercy

The scriptures say;

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…”- Exodus 34:6

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning…” - Lamentations 3:22-23

God doesn’t just show mercy occasionally—it is who He is. He delights in mercy (Micah 7:18).

d.         d.     Why This Truth Matters

• Mercy gives us hope.
  No matter how far we’ve fallen, God’s mercy reaches lower still. You are never too broken to be redeemed.

• Mercy removes fear.
  We don’t have to live in dread of punishment. Jesus took our place. You are not under wrath—you are under mercy.

• Mercy inspires worship.
  When you realize you were saved not by merit, but by mercy, your natural response is praise and gratitude.

Imagine standing in court, guilty, awaiting sentence. The judge, fully aware of your guilt, steps down, pays your fine, and offers you a second chance. That’s not justice alone—that’s mercy in action.

That’s what God did through Jesus Christ. You didn’t earn salvation—you received it because God is rich in mercy. Let this truth comfort your soul and shape how you treat others.

Also, See:
- The Eternal Chorus: Every Voice for the Worthy Lamb
- The Word That Defeats Death
- Victory in the Wilderness: Strength Through Trials

3. The Washing of Rebirth and Renewal by the Holy Spirit

This phrase tells us how God saves us, not only why (because of His mercy), but what happens inside of us when we are saved. It speaks of a supernatural transformation done by the Holy Spirit.

a.          a.     "The Washing of Rebirth" – A New Beginning

The word “washing” speaks of cleansing—a spiritual cleansing from sin. But it’s not just washing the outside. It is not ritual or religion. It is the washing of rebirth—the complete renewal of a person from the inside out.

This idea of rebirth is the same as what Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

To be saved is to be born again—a new spiritual life begins.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

This washing is not just symbolic—it is effective. God removes our guilt and shame and gives us a fresh start.

b.          b.     "Renewal by the Holy Spirit" – A New Life Ongoing

The Holy Spirit does not just cleanse us once and walk away. He renews us continuously.

The word “renewal” means to be made new again—to restore something to its intended purpose. This is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life—sanctification, growth, transformation.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2

“…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 1:6

c.          c.     What the Holy Spirit Does in Us

• Cleanses our hearts – forgives sin and removes guilt.

• Changes our desires – we begin to love what God loves.

• Empowers our walk – helps us live in obedience and boldness.

• Produces fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Assures us of salvation – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16).

Imagine your life as a house. When you accept Christ:

God doesn't just clean the windows and sweep the floors. He guts the place, tears out the rot, and rebuilds it from the foundation up. The Holy Spirit moves in and begins remodelling—room by room, area by area—until the house becomes a place of beauty and purpose.

Salvation is more than forgiveness—it is transformation. You are not just washed clean—you are made new. And the Holy Spirit is continually renewing you, day by day.

Let the washing of rebirth remind you that your past no longer defines you. Let the renewal of the Holy Spirit assure you that God is not done with you—He is working in you every single day.

 4. Living in the Light of Mercy

We have explored how we are not saved by our own righteousness, but by God’s mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

But the message of mercy doesn’t end with our salvation. It shapes how we live every day.

To live “in the light of mercy” means to live with a heart transformed by the mercy we’ve received.

a.           a.     Respond with Humble Gratitude

When you understand that you were saved not because of your goodness, but because of God's mercy, it should produce deep thankfulness.

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” - Psalm 103:10

We don’t walk around proud—we walk around grateful.

• Gratitude leads to worship.

• Gratitude leads to obedience.

• Gratitude leads to dependence on God, not self.

A life of mercy should be a life of thanks.

    b.        Extend Mercy to Others

Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes:

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”- Matthew 5:7

To live in the light of mercy means:

• We forgive those who wrong us.
• We show compassion to the hurting.
• We give others the same grace we’ve been given.

It is easy to forget mercy when someone hurts us. But when you remember what you were forgiven of, how can you not show mercy to others?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32

    c.      Walk in Renewed Purpose

Mercy isn't just a past event—it gives you a new direction.

“In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” - Romans 12:1

You are now called to live differently:

• Not to earn God's favour, but because you've already received it.
• Not from a place of guilt, but from grace.

This means living with:

• Holiness – because the Spirit lives in you.
• Mission – because the world needs to know His mercy.
• Hope – because you’ve experienced the undeserved kindness of God.

        d.     Rest in His Mercy Daily

Mercy is not a one-time gift—it’s new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). There will be days you fail, days you feel weak, days you doubt. But living in the light of mercy means you can always return to the Father, again and again. His mercy doesn’t run dry. His arms are always open.

Discover the wisdom and guidance of Scripture—join us today to explore the Bible and deepen your faith 

 Conclusion

You are not saved by your goodness, but by God’s mercy. You are not who you used to be, because the Holy Spirit is renewing you. Let us live as people who are washed, renewed, and grateful—all because of the mercy of God.

 Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for saving us—not because we deserved it, but because You are rich in mercy. Wash us, renew us, and help us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. May we never take Your mercy for granted, and may we extend it freely to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Also, See:
- The Eternal Chorus: Every Voice for the Worthy Lamb
- The Word That Defeats Death
- Victory in the Wilderness: Strength Through Trials