Paul writes to Titus about Christian conduct in Cretan society, and grounds the entire ethical vision in a theological foundation: God's own goodness appeared in Christ, and that appearance — not our works — is the source of our salvation and transformation.

From the writers we read together

Brennan Manning

Author, The Ragamuffin Gospel

Manning built his whole ministry on the philanthropia of God — the scandalous, unconditional love-for-humanity that appeared in Jesus. Titus 3:4 says this goodness and loving kindness 'appeared' (epephanē) — it broke into history visibly, tangibly, personally. The Incarnation is God's philanthropy made flesh. And the basis of our salvation? 'Not because of works done by us in righteousness' — not because we were worthy of being loved.

The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit describe a transformation so complete it uses the language of a new birth (palingenesia — regeneration, rebirth). The Spirit does not touch up the old person; He renews. This is the grace that Manning proclaimed: not improvement advice but genuine rebirth, given to those who brought nothing to earn it. What works of righteousness are you still unconsciously presenting to God as your qualification for love?