The Bible speaks extensively about regeneration, which is often described as being "born again" or experiencing a spiritual transformation. Here's a breakdown of what the Bible says:
Key Concepts and Terminology:
* Regeneration: The act of God whereby He imparts new spiritual life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins. It's a supernatural, instantaneous transformation of the inner person.
* Born Again/Born of the Spirit: (John 3:3, 3:5, 3:7, 1 Peter 1:3, 1:23) These phrases describe the beginning of spiritual life, initiated by God's Spirit. It is not simply reformation or improvement, but a completely new creation.
* New Creation: (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15) Emphasizes the radical change and new identity that comes with regeneration. The old self is not merely patched up, but replaced by something entirely new.
* Quickening/Making Alive: (Ephesians 2:1, 2:5, Colossians 2:13) Highlights the fact that before regeneration, a person is spiritually dead. God gives life where there was none.
* Renewal: (Titus 3:5) Focuses on the refreshing and revitalizing aspect of regeneration, as the Holy Spirit cleanses and restores.
Key Biblical Passages:
* John 3:1-21 (Jesus and Nicodemus): This is the foundational passage on being "born again." Jesus tells Nicodemus that to see or enter the Kingdom of God, one must be born again (or born from above - the Greek word can mean either). He clarifies that this is a spiritual birth, "born of water and the Spirit." The "water" is often interpreted as referring to the cleansing power of God's Word or perhaps baptism symbolizing the washing away of sins. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, who is the agent of regeneration.
* *Key Points:* Necessity of being born again, the role of the Spirit, the connection to belief in Jesus.
* Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit..." This verse clearly links salvation to regeneration and the work of the Holy Spirit. It also emphasizes that salvation is based on God's mercy, not human merit.
* *Key Points:* Salvation is a result of God's mercy, regeneration involves cleansing and renewal, the Holy Spirit is the agent.
* Ephesians 2:1-10: This passage describes our state before Christ (spiritually dead in sin) and then how God "made us alive with Christ" (regeneration) by grace through faith.
* *Key Points:* Our former state was spiritual death, regeneration is God's act of grace, faith is the means by which we receive this grace.
* 1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." Highlights that regeneration leads to a living hope and is based on God's mercy and the resurrection of Christ.
* *Key Points:* Regeneration leads to hope, is based on God's mercy, is connected to the resurrection of Christ.
* 1 Peter 1:23: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." This verse emphasizes that regeneration is brought about by the Word of God, which is imperishable and has the power to transform lives.
* 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Emphasizes the radical transformation and new identity that comes with regeneration.
Key Aspects of Regeneration:
* God's Initiative: Regeneration is entirely God's work. It is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or good deeds. (John 1:13: "...children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.")
* Supernatural: It is a supernatural event, beyond human understanding. It is the impartation of new spiritual life by the Holy Spirit.
* Instantaneous: While the process of spiritual growth (sanctification) is ongoing, regeneration itself is an instantaneous event. At a specific point in time, God imparts new life.
* Essential for Salvation: Jesus stated clearly that one *must* be born again to see the Kingdom of God. Regeneration is the foundation for a life of faith and obedience.
* Inseparable from Faith and Repentance: While regeneration precedes faith and repentance logically, they are practically inseparable. When God regenerates a person, that person will respond in faith and repentance.
* Results in New Desires and Affections: A person who is born again will have new desires to please God, to love others, and to live a life of holiness.
Summary:
Regeneration is the foundational, supernatural work of God by which He imparts new spiritual life to those who are dead in sin. It's a necessary condition for salvation, initiated by God's grace and received through faith in Jesus Christ. It results in a transformed life, marked by new desires, affections, and a pursuit of holiness. It's not merely reforming behavior, but a complete spiritual rebirth and the beginning of a new creation.