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
It is true we have not yet risen as Christ has, but we are said to have risen with him on account of the hope which we have in him. So again he says: “According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration.” Evidently what we obtain in the washing of regeneration is not the salvation itself but the hope of it. And yet, because this hope is certain, we are said to be saved, as if the salvation were already bestowed.
