System Regeneration

Many dismiss Titus 3:5 where it seems we are described to be saved by water regeneration. Most take regeneration to be the act of change in the individual vs a change in a religious system. Jesus used the same term "regeneration" as a change in system and era. A time where he would be enthroned.

Mat 19:27  Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Jesus used the term clearly as a change in system and baptism as a washing was different than the old system. Washings in Judaism cleaned flesh vs the heart. So, was Titus using regeneration for the individual or system? It could be either, since both the system and person are changed. It seems to me the washing that saved was from the new system. The context seems to be reflecting upon change from Judaism to Christ. He uses the term after to denote a new era, the washing being implemented after the kindness was made visible and made viable after the Holy Ghost was given, perhaps to the apostles in Acts 2.

Tit 3:4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

Tit 3:5  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; 

Many have fought continually and devoted time to fight such an idea as Baptismal Regeneration. Here is an article on Spurgeon where he shows Protestants taking money for preaching baptismal regeneration when they did not believe in it. I believe it is true that many do preach for the sake of money and use their parties doctrine to keep the money flowing, but I do disagree with Spurgeon to a great degree.

Spurgeon's Sermon

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0573.htm 

We hold that persons are not saved by baptism, for we think, first of all that it seems out of character with the spiritual religion which Christ came to teach, that he should make salvation depend upon mere ceremony. Judaism might possibly absorb the ceremony by way of type into her ordinances essential to eternal life; for it was religion of types and shadows. The false religions of the heathen might inculcate salvation by a physical process, but Jesus Christ claims for his faith that it is purely spiritual, and how could he connect regeneration with a peculiar application of aqueous fluid?  Spurgeon was hypocritical, the crucifixion was a physical act that had spiritual consequences. Spurgeon and his followers were simply wrong about baptism. It can be a physical act with spiritual consequences like the crucifixion.

As you see Spurgeon argued it would be against a spiritual doctrine and make it mechanical. You also see he correlates regeneration with the person's change vs a system change. If regeneration is referring to system change then a washing of water should be included in the new regeneration system.

washing of regeneration

It would be affirmed to be in the system or era Christ spoke of.

Also nailing Jesus to the cross was a very mechanical act that was very spiritual. Its physical nature did not detract from its spiritual purpose. Just because baptism is physical it is just as spiritual. 

I think the main point is we are saved through a washing whether it be regeneration of the person or system.