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 Spirit;
All Commentaries on Titus 3:5 Go To Titus 3
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
For this reason, charity, which has more regard for the common good than for its own, is said “not to seek the things that are its own.”… Hence, this charity is practiced now in the good works of love, by which it reaches out to give aid in whatever direction it can, and this is its breadth. It bears adversity with longsuffering, and perseveres in what it holds as true, and this is its length. But it does all this in order to attain eternal life which is promised to it on high, and this is its height. This charity, indeed, is hidden in the place where we are founded and, so to speak, rooted in depth. Hence we do not search into the reasons for God’s will, by whose grace we are saved. This has come “not by the works of justice which we have done but according to his mercy.” “For of his own will he has begotten us by the word of truth,” and this will of his is hidden. .
