In a previous article entitled The Law we learned that The Law is God’s measuring stick for righteousness and that no one measures up. We also learned that The Law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. It is through Jesus Christ alone that we receive the righteousness that God requires.
In a subsequent article entitled Legalism in the Church, we learned that attempting to achieve salvation by way of circumcision (or any other righteous deed) renders the righteousness of Christ of no effect. Water baptism has been referred to as the circumcision of the NT. We found that the apostles Peter & Paul, both refuted circumcision (a righteous deed) as a means to grace, and that both reaffirmed that the righteousness that God accepts, is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
How does that work?
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 Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7
What does the word washing refer to?
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:25&26).
Jesus speaking to Nicodemus; Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7) The apostle Peter explains how we are born again: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. I Peter 1:23
For by grace (God’s enabling) are ye saved through faith. (Ephesians 2:8&9) Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Definitions are from W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.