Ordo Salutis: Regeneration

Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’

John 3:3

The venerable Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) commands immense respect in Church History. He was not only a prominent leader in his time but also profoundly shaped Christian thought, influencing the Reformation Era and beyond. His significant works include “The City of God,” “Confessions,” and “On the Trinity.” However, Augustine’s life wasn’t always virtuous. Before gaining renown, he lived in sin, “carrying out the desires of the body and the mind” and was “by nature a child of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). What caused such a profound change in this once wayward sinner? This article delves into the transformative journey of Augustine through the Doctrine of Regeneration.

Regeneration is the secret act of God, breathing new life into the Elect, igniting the conformation to the image of Jesus Christ. This act is likened to the mysterious movement of the wind, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) In his writings, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between Regeneration and the act of creation, declaring, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

To be clear, just as the movement of the wind and the creation of the world, our regeneration is not within our control. We play no active role in this event. Similar to our physical birth, where we had no say, our spiritual rebirth is entirely a sovereign work of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). This truth is beautifully expressed in the profound opening prologue in the Gospel of John, where he writes, “…who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) Considering God’s sovereign choice in salvation, Romans 9:16 reinforces this truth, stating, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.“

It is essential to recognise that Regeneration is not an isolated event but a sequence of divine acts set in motion by God Himself. From eternity past, God has chosen His Elect (Ephesians 1:4), and in His sovereignty, He sends messengers to proclaim the Gospel (Romans 10:15), effectually summoning those He has chosen. As the Good Shepherd’s voice is heard, the Elect are brought forth by the power of the word of truth (James 1:18). This quickening work is likened to the Resurrection, as they are made alive from spiritual death (Colossians 2:13). Only through this Regeneration can the Elect respond in genuine faith in Jesus Christ (John 6:44). Prior to this divine intervention, they were incapable of accepting or believing the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). In this remarkable process, the Elect willingly respond, but it is crucial to acknowledge that it is ultimately God who reaches into our hearts, bringing about this life-changing response (Acts 16:14).

In light of the Bible’s teachings on the radically corrupt nature of humanity (Romans 3:9-18, 23; Psalm 51:3-6; 1 Kings 8:46; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 5:6; 1 John 5:12), it becomes evident that Regeneration precedes saving faith. We can only believe once we have been made able to believe, i.e., Regenerated.

“And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?‘ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.‘”

Mark 10:26-28

On that momentous day when Augustine experienced his spiritual awakening in Christ, he heard children playing near his house. Their innocent voices resonated with a powerful message, singing, “Tolle, lege! Tolle, lege!” – an urging in Latin, meaning “Take up and read! Take up and read!” The melody seemed like a divine call, beckoning him to turn his attention to something greater. Moved by this inexplicable prompting, Augustine reached for the Sacred Writings of Apostle Paul and opened them with trembling hands. His eyes fell upon the passage, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:13-14).

The truth resonated within him, and he felt the embrace of divine grace. Augustine realised that this encounter was a turning point in his life—a moment of reconciliation with his Creator. “I had no wish to read further, nor was there need,” he later confessed. “No sooner had I reached the end of the verse than the light of certainty flooded my heart, and all dark shades of doubt fled away.” In that powerful encounter with the Scripture, Augustine’s journey of faith began. The words of the Apostle Paul had touched the depths of his soul, leading him to embrace the teachings of Christ and abandon his former life of moral depravity.

In the sacred narrative of Saint Augustine’s regeneration, we bear witness to the sovereign hand of God, orchestrating His eternal plan set forth before the foundations of the world. Truly, it is the Father of lights, in whom no variation or shadow of change exists (James 1:17), who orchestrated the divine moment when Augustine was made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). In an instant, like the twinkling of an eye, Augustine was born of the Spirit (1 John 5:1), and a profound awakening occurred as he received the gift of new life (1 Peter 1:3). In this divine encounter, the person of the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a gentle, yet powerful, torrent (Acts 10:44).

Indeed, if you find yourself in Christ, pause in awe at the wondrous works of our Almighty God, who, as spoken through the prophet Ezekiel, breathes life into dry bones, bringing forth renewal and restoration: “Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews upon you and cover you with flesh and skin, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:5) Reflect on the marvel of Regeneration that has brought you from a state of death. Offer praise and glory to Him!

On the contrary, if you are not yet in Christ, attentively heed the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: “You must be born again.” (John 3:7)

In conclusion, the life of Saint Augustine serves as a powerful testament to the power of God’s grace. As we reflect on the Doctrine of Regeneration in his journey, we are reminded of the timeless message conveyed in the hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. This cherished hymn beautifully expresses the profound impact of God’s grace in regenerating sinners. Just as Augustine’s life was touched by divine intervention, “Amazing Grace” continues to resonate with believers worldwide, serving as a timeless reminder of the boundless mercy that can bring about profound change in even the most wayward of hearts.

Verse 2:

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!