- Titus 3:5 … This is the only verse in the Bible that uses “regeneration” in its soteriological meaning and connects it with the Holy Spirit.
What is regeneration?
- renewal … new birth …
- the act of God by which the principle of the new life is implanted in a man and the governing disposition of the soul is made holy … the act of God that imparts (spiritual) life … birth from above … spiritual birth
What are some words that the Bible uses to explain regeneration? What are some other terms that the Bible uses to help us understand the concept of regeneration with regard to believers?
- born again (John 3:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:3, 23) … “born anew” in some translations, signifying a new birth, which is a spiritual birth
- begotten of God (John 1:13; 1 John 2:29, 3:9, 4:7, 5:1, 4, 18) … implanted with eternal life, the life of God … In James 1:18, the word “begotten” is used by itself, but for the same reason – the regeneration.
- children of God (1 John 3:1-2) … The reference to believers as “children of God” is because believers have been given spiritual life by God … and they become God’s children by virtue of regeneration.
- new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) … A believer has become a new creation because of receiving the Holy Spirit and spiritual life at the moment of regeneration.
- made alive (John 6:63; Romans 8:1-10; Ephesians 2:1, 5) … “quickened” in some translations … again, signifying the receipt of new life from the Holy Spirit taking up residence in the believer.
How is a person regenerated?
- by receipt of the Holy Spirit
When is a person regenerated?
immediately before belief
Why is regeneration necessary?
- so that person can be alive to believe
What are the means of regeneration?
- The Will of God …
- The Holy Spirit …
- The Word of God …
- Faith …