Quote Originally Posted by Billyray View Post
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;

This verse is clear BigJ God saved us NOT because of our works of righteousness.
Yes, it clearly states that it is the mercy of God which saves us and thereby we can do the works of baptism and receive the Holy Ghost.

I have no argument with this. God saves...not faith, not works...God alone. But it is through God that we can have faith and thereby do the works of God, baptism and receive the Holy Ghost.