Notes: Titus 3:5

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,  (Titus 3:5)

When Paul writes concerning salvation, it is personal.  Notice the us. He used similar language earlier in his letter (Titus 2:12,14).  When WE preach or teach concerning salvation, it should be personal.  This is not to be academic head knowledge, but life changing.

God did the saving.  There is no ambiguity in the statement.  God, the subject, saved, the verb, us.

But, just in case, someone wasn’t paying attention, Paul makes it very clear that our salvation was in no way based upon any deed that we may have done.  The plan of salvation does not include a list of requirements such as altar kneeling, aisle walking, or specific prayer saying.

Salvation is based purely on His mercy.

And again, lest there be any confusion, the washing of regeneration and renewing are all activities in which we are PASSIVE participants.  It is God who does the regeneration.  It is God who does the renewing.