What is the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)?

In Titus 3:1–11, the apostle Paul touches on some practical implications of our salvation. He explains that God saved us to do good and influence others for Christ and His kingdom. As part of his exhortation, Paul sums up the essence of Christian salvation: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4–6).

Because of God’s grace, kindness and love, Jesus rescued us from our brokenness and corruption. We can’t claim credit for this work of salvation, for it was not accomplished through human effort but through divine mercy. The same applies to our spiritual renewal. The Holy Spirit is responsible for the “washing of rebirth and renewal.”

The washing of rebirth refers to regeneration, which is the transforming of our corrupt human nature from a state of spiritual death to life. When we believe in Jesus and receive His salvation, we are “born again” (John 3:3) or “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5; see also John 3:8). We are made alive in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1–6; Colossians 2:13).

Regeneration involves a complete spiritual rebirth. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we are reborn into a new life in Christ, shedding the old sinful nature and embracing a new identity (Romans 6:6). This new birth is the first aspect of the renewal of the Holy Spirit. It starts with a fundamental change in our inner being. The process is initiated and sustained by the Holy Spirit, who works within individual believers to renew their hearts and minds. The power of the Spirit who indwells us at salvation continues transforming us into new creatures in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 4:22–24).

A second aspect of the renewal of the Holy Spirit is sanctification. The Holy Spirit sets believers apart for holy purposes (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Galatians 5:5). This involves a gradual process of becoming more like Christ in character and actions (Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 14:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The Spirit instills and develops virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, allowing us to reflect the nature of Christ. This renewal is not superficial but a profound, lasting transformation that aligns our wants and desires more closely with God’s will.

Renewal of the Holy Spirit also involves empowerment (Luke 24:49). God’s Spirit equips us for ministry (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5) and to live out our faith, providing strength, wisdom, and guidance in our daily lives (Romans 15:13; Ephesians 3:16; Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:7–8). Through the Spirit’s indwelling presence, we are empowered to do good works and live in a manner that pleases God (Romans 8:6–8). We must keep in mind that our goodness does not come from our own behavior or inherent goodness (see Psalm 14:1–3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23) but from God who is “working in [us], giving [us] the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13, NLT).

Renewal of the Holy Spirit includes conviction. The Spirit convicts us of sin and prompts us to seek forgiveness and turn away from behaviors contrary to God’s will (John 16:8; 1 Corinthians 2:8–10). He convinces us of our need for growth and change (Romans 8:5–9; Galatians 5:16–21) yet also brings full assurance of our secure relationship with God the Father (Romans 8:15–16).

Renewal of the Spirit also embraces comfort, counsel, and help. A specific title Jesus used for the Holy Spirit was “Advocate,” which refers to a legal counselor or representative who offers help, intercession, and comfort: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you” (John 14:16–18, NLT). The Holy Spirit is always with us, offering solace and peace in times of trouble and guiding us through life’s challenges.

The renewal of the Holy Spirit is a tremendous gift of God’s mercy and grace, bringing spiritual new birth, sanctification, empowerment, conviction, and comfort. May we, as believers, yield to the Holy Spirit’s work, which has profound significance in our Christian walk. May we embrace this journey of continual growth and transformation, daily drawing us closer to God and more like His Son.