Washing of regeneration


Le Bain de la regénération
8" x 10"
Acrylic on canvas
2008

"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." (Titus 3:5)

This picture came to me after watching an episode of The Guard, a television drama about the lives of British Columbia Coast Guard workers. In one of the scenes, a lady's boat sinks and she is floating in the mist, desperately waiting for help. Suddenly, the imposing Coast Guard ship arrives, emerging from the fog and appearing to her in all its splendour. This was particularly moving to me since I saw in it relief from the fear of destruction. The image itself was breathtaking.

I named the ship TI 3: 5 or Titus 3:5 after a verse of Scripture that refers to salvation and spiritual renewal. I would say salvation and regeneration begin the moment you realise you are lost and cannot even see around you. When you recognise your sinfulness, it often overwhelms you like drowning. You cry for help, and "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
This also applies to believers who are sinking into sin and its consequences. They will often feel like they are drowning until they cry out to God for help and see Him emerging from the fog.
The buoy refers to the things we hang on to when in such a desperate state, but that can only help us temporarily. If the ship doesn't bring us back to the land, we will die still.

The ship was inspired by an old black and white photo of a Canadian Coast Guard ship found on the Government of Canada web site.