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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:3-7 Gospel Basis. As in 2:11-14, Paul explains how his exhortations to godly living (3:1-2) are based on the gospel. This gospel statement is presented in a traditional "conversion" formula--"formerly . . . but now"--highlighting the ethical and practical change effected by grace.
3:4 Goodness and loving kindness stand in stark contrast to the description of lost humanity in v. 3. The difference is due to the appearance of God our Savior (see note on 2 Tim. 1:8-10).
3:5 The transformation described in vv. 3-7 (formerly . . . but now) is not based on human effort. "We . . . were once enslaved" (v. 3) but he saved us. God must act before salvation occurs. Salvation comes not because of works but by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Some have understood this as saying that baptism ("the washing") causes salvation. However, in this context human deeds are clearly downplayed ("not because of works") and the emphasis is on divine action and initiative ("he saved us"). The "washing" described here is the spiritual cleansing, which is outwardly symbolized in baptism.
