Titus 3:5 (BSB)

He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

From Titus 3. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Titus 3:5

• John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Titus 3:1-15: CHAPTER 3 Titus 3:1-3 1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 1. Admone illos principibus et potestatibus subditos esse dicto oboedire ad omne opus bonum paratos esse 2. To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 2.
• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Titus 3:1-8: Here is the fourth thing in the matter of the epistle. The apostle had directed Titus in reference to the particular and special duties of several sorts of persons; now he bids him exhort to what concerned them more in common, namely, to quietness and submission to rulers, and readiness to do good, and to equitable and gentle behaviour towards all men - things comely...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done,.... The great instance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour is salvation; which the apostle denies that it is brought about by any works, even the best works of men; for "works of righteousness" are works done according to a righteous law, and in obedience to it; and in a righteous manner, from right...
• Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on Titus 3:5: Verse 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done. The plan was not based on our own good works, nor are our own good works now the cause of our salvation. If men could have been saved by their own good works, there would have been no need of salvation by the Redeemer; if our own deeds were now the basis of our...