Introduction
Regeneration, often described as being ‘born again,’ is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a spiritual rebirth and profound transformation within a believer. This transformative process is initiated by God and brings about a new creation in Christ, fundamentally changing a person’s relationship with God. In this exploration, we delve into various scriptural passages that shed light on the nature of regeneration, its necessity for salvation, and its profound impact on the believer’s life.
Regeneration: A New Creation
The Bible presents regeneration as a process of becoming a new creation, a radical rebirth that alters the spiritual state of an individual.
• A New Creation in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
This verse underscores the transformative power of being in Christ. Regeneration is not merely an improvement of the old self but the creation of something entirely new. It signifies a complete break from the past, with a new life emerging that is rooted in Christ.
• Born Again to See the Kingdom of God: John 3:3-7 (ESV): “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’… ‘Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.””
In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being ‘born again’ to enter God’s kingdom. This spiritual rebirth, which Jesus insists upon, is essential for understanding and participating in the realities of God’s kingdom. It highlights regeneration as a fundamental change in one’s spiritual nature.
• Made Alive in Christ: Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”
Paul describes regeneration as a transition from spiritual death to life. This passage highlights the role of God’s mercy and love in the process of regeneration, emphasizing that it is an act of grace, not a result of human effort.
• Renewal by the Holy Spirit: Titus 3:5 (ESV): “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”
In this letter, Paul attributes regeneration to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is described as a cleansing and renewing process, underscoring that salvation and regeneration are gifts of mercy, not achievements of human righteousness.
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Regeneration
Regeneration is fundamentally the work of the Holy Spirit, who imparts new life to the believer.
• Born of the Spirit: John 3:5-6 (ESV): “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'”
Jesus clarifies that regeneration is a spiritual rebirth brought about by the Holy Spirit. This distinction between flesh and spirit highlights the radical nature of regeneration—it is a spiritual transformation that transcends physical birth.
• The Spirit’s Renewing Work: Titus 3:5 (ESV): “he saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,”
Again, Paul emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in regeneration. The term ‘renewal’ suggests an ongoing process, indicating that the Holy Spirit continually works in believers to transform and renew them according to God’s will.
• A New Heart and New Spirit: Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
This Old Testament prophecy foretells the transformative work of God in regeneration. The imagery of a new heart and spirit symbolizes the profound internal change that occurs through the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life aligned with God’s will.
• Born Again Through the Word: 1 Peter 1:23 (ESV): “since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;”
Peter connects the act of being born again with the enduring word of God. This illustrates that the Holy Spirit uses God’s word as a means to bring about regeneration, highlighting the synergy between the Spirit and the Scripture in this process.
In the next part, we will explore the relationship between regeneration and faith, the transformation that accompanies regeneration, and how it is a gift of God’s grace.
Regeneration and Faith
The relationship between regeneration and faith is vital in understanding how one comes to believe and live in Christ.
• Faith in Christ Jesus: Galatians 3:26 (ESV): “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
Paul highlights that faith in Christ is the means by which believers become children of God. This faith is a result of regeneration, which enables individuals to believe and embrace their identity as God’s children. It shows that regeneration and faith are inextricably linked in the process of becoming part of God’s family.
• Brought Forth by the Word of Truth: James 1:18 (ESV): “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
James speaks of believers being brought forth, or regenerated, through the word of truth. This act of being ‘brought forth’ suggests a new beginning or birth, initiated by God’s will and through His word, culminating in faith and transformation.
• Born of God: 1 John 5:1 (ESV): “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.”
John establishes that believing in Jesus as the Christ is evidence of having been born of God. Regeneration, therefore, precedes faith, as it is the work of God that enables one to believe and love as God’s child.
• Born Not of Blood Nor of the Will of the Flesh: John 1:12-13 (ESV): “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
This passage emphasizes that becoming children of God through faith in Christ is not a result of human effort or lineage but is an act of God. Regeneration is depicted as a divine initiative, a spiritual rebirth that transcends human will and heritage.
Transformation Through Regeneration
Regeneration leads to a profound change in the believer’s life, affecting their actions, attitudes, and entire outlook.
• Renewed Mind: Romans 12:2 (ESV): “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Paul urges believers to not conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed through a renewed mind. This transformation is a result of regeneration, enabling believers to understand and follow God’s will. It suggests an ongoing process of mental and spiritual renewal, changing how believers perceive and interact with the world.
• The New Self: Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This exhortation to discard the old self and embrace the new self mirrors the reality of regeneration. The ‘new self’ is a product of God’s creative work in believers, reflecting His nature in righteousness and holiness. Regeneration thus initiates a radical reorientation of one’s identity and behavior.
• Put on the New Self: Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
The metaphor of putting on the new self illustrates the practical outworking of regeneration. It involves a continual renewal in knowledge and conformity to the image of God, affecting every aspect of the believer’s conduct and character.
• Craving Pure Spiritual Milk: 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV): “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—”
Peter likens regenerated believers to newborn infants who crave milk. This desire for spiritual nourishment, represented by God’s word, is indicative of the new life and appetite produced by regeneration. It highlights the ongoing growth and maturation that regeneration initiates.
Regeneration as a Gift of Grace
Regeneration is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a gift from God, a manifestation of His grace, rather than a result of human effort.
• Saved Through Faith, Not Works: Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
This well-known passage underscores that salvation, which includes regeneration, is entirely a work of God’s grace received through faith. It is not something earned or deserved, but a gift that eliminates any grounds for human boasting. Regeneration, as part of salvation, is thus rooted in God’s gracious initiative.
• Born of God, Not of Will or Blood: John 1:13 (ESV): “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
John reiterates that regeneration is not a product of human descent or desire but a divine act. This birth from God underscores the gracious and sovereign nature of regeneration, distinguishing it from any human-generated change.
• Newness of Life: Romans 6:4 (ESV): “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Paul connects the believer’s baptism and regeneration to Christ’s resurrection. The newness of life experienced by believers is a reflection of the resurrected life of Christ, a grace-filled transformation enabled by God’s power.
• Called to a Holy Calling: 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV): “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”
This verse highlights that the calling of believers, including their regeneration, is based on God’s purpose and grace, not on human works. The grace granted in Christ before time signifies God’s eternal plan for the believer’s salvation and transformation.
In the next part, we will discuss how understanding regeneration influences Christian living, and its connection to the promise of eternal life.
Living Out Regeneration
Understanding and experiencing regeneration has a profound impact on how Christians live their daily lives.
• Living for Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:15 (ESV): “And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of living out regeneration. It implies that the regenerated life is not self-centered but Christ-centered, marked by a dedication to living for Jesus who died and was resurrected for us. The transformative impact of regeneration redirects the believer’s focus and purpose towards Christ.
• Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
The fruit of the Spirit is a clear indicator of regeneration. As believers live by the Spirit, their lives exhibit qualities that are in stark contrast to their former selves. This transformation is a daily process, reflecting the ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a regenerated individual.
• Practicing Righteousness: 1 John 3:9 (ESV): “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
John asserts that those who are regenerated do not continue to live in habitual sin. This change in behavior and character is evidence of the divine nature within them, compelling them towards righteousness and away from sin.
• Working Out Salvation: Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Paul encourages believers to actively pursue their salvation, a process that involves both reverence and effort. This working out of salvation is not in isolation but is empowered by God who works within, enabling both the desire and the ability to live according to His purposes.
Regeneration and Eternal Life
The transformative experience of regeneration is intrinsically linked to the promise of eternal life.
• Passing from Death to Life: John 5:24 (ESV): “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Jesus affirms that belief in His word results in eternal life. This passage shows that regeneration, which begins with hearing and believing, leads to a transition from spiritual death to eternal life, exempting believers from judgment.
• Crossing from Death to Life: 1 John 3:14 (ESV): “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”
John correlates the love for fellow believers with having passed from death to life. This love is a manifestation of the new life in Christ, a tangible evidence of the regenerative work that guarantees eternal life.
• The Gift of God is Eternal Life: Romans 6:22 (ESV): “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”
Paul teaches that freedom from sin and servitude to God result in sanctification, culminating in eternal life. Regeneration, which initiates this process of sanctification, is thus directly linked to the attainment of eternal life.
• Life to the Full: John 10:10 (ESV): “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief, stating that He came to give abundant life. This abundant life, initiated by regeneration, is a foretaste of the fullness of eternal life that Jesus promises to His followers.
Conclusion
Regeneration, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound transformation initiated by God, changing the believer from the inside out. It’s a spiritual rebirth that brings a person into a new and living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, marked by a radical change in character, desires, and priorities. The regenerated life is one that reflects Christ, seeks to honor God, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers, understanding and experiencing this regeneration shapes every aspect of our lives, providing a foundation for holy living, a source of continual growth, and the promise of eternal life. In embracing regeneration, we embrace the very essence of the Christian journey – a journey from death to life, from the old to the new, and from the temporal to the eternal.