Introduction
The concept of regeneration holds a significant place in Christian theology, representing a profound change that occurs within the soul of a believer. While the term ‘regeneration’ is used explicitly only in Titus 3:5, there are other related terms found throughout Scripture that convey the idea of ‘being born again’ or ‘begetting anew’ (John 1:13, 3:3-9; 1John1:1, 2:29, 3:9, & 4:7) and ‘bringing forth into being’ (James 1:18). These terms offer insights into the transformative work of God within individuals.
There is another group of words which carries the meaning of ‘creating’ or ‘creating anew’ (see Ephesians 2:13, 4:24; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). Another term we come across in the Scriptures is “to quicken”. We find examples of this in Ephesians 2:4-5, where we read that even when we were dead in sins, God quickened us together with Christ, by grace we have been saved (see also Colossians 2:13, a parallel to the statement in Ephesians).
This article will explore the meaning of regeneration, distinguish it from conversion, and delve into its profound implications for the believer’s life.
Understanding Regeneration
Regeneration refers to the implanting of new life in the soul through the divine act of God. It is the process by which a principle of new life is infused into a person, transforming the governing disposition of their soul.
Regeneration and conversion are often confused with each other. They are like two sides of the same coin. Regeneration is God’s work—something done to us, while conversion is our response to what God has done. Conversion is the tangible expression of the regenerated life, where the individual’s actions align with their newfound disposition.
An illustration of the difference between regeneration and conversion can be found in the effectual call of the gospel. In considering the example of the general and effectual calls, we note that although the general call of the gospel comes to everyone, only those who are regenerated respond to the call.
This is what happened in the case of Lydia of Thyatira in Acts 16:14. According to Luke, who recorded that event, as Paul was preaching the gospel in Philippi, Lydia responded to what was being preached by “paying attention to what was said by Paul.” Luke then explains that Lydia did this because “the Lord opened her heart”. This is Luke’s way of saying Lydia’s heart was regenerated by the Sovereign work of the Holy Spirit as she sat under Paul’s preaching. That first act she did as a regenerate person (i.e., responding to the call of the gospel) is what we call conversion. When someone starts to do certain things due to being regenerated, we say that that person has been converted.
Another depiction the Bible uses to describe this work is that of God causing the light to shine in our hearts:
“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).
What Regeneration Is Not
Regeneration does not involve a physical change in the substance or constitution of the human soul. For example, we don’t suddenly develop a higher IQ than we had before we became born again. It is a spiritual change, distinct from any alteration in the physical realm.
It is also essential to recognise that regeneration does not entail a complete transformation of the entire nature of man, nor does it imply that humans become divine or attain two natures like Jesus Christ. Many “new creation” teachings erroneously purport that as a result of the new birth, they become physically immune to diseases and acquire new mental abilities (e.g., we somehow develop the intelligence to pass every exam, driving test etc); however, this is nowhere taught in the Scriptures.
Instead, regeneration affects the governing disposition of the soul while leaving the faculties intact. It is not merely moral reformation or a change in some faculties; rather, it is the implanting of a principle of new spiritual life.
The Nature of Disposition
In addition to the faculties of the soul, there exists something that governs and directs them. This governing force, which we call disposition, plays a crucial role in shaping our actions and attitudes. An individual’s disposition can guide their faculties either toward negative or positive pursuits. For instance, someone who previously used their intelligence to engage in unlawful activities may, after regeneration, employ the same intellectual capacities in an entirely new direction, driven by their transformed disposition.
The Example of Saul of Tarsus
The transformation experienced by Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, serves as a powerful illustration of regeneration. Before his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul fervently persecuted the early Christian church. Here was a man consumed by a passion to exterminate Christianity from the surface of the earth in order to preserve Judaism. However, following his encounter with the Lord, the same faculties and abilities that were once employed for destructive purposes became instruments for proclaiming the gospel. This radical change in disposition enabled Saul to redirect his talents to serve the Kingdom of God.
Regeneration: An Instantaneous Act
Is regeneration an instantaneous act or a process that occurs gradually over time? I am convinced that regeneration does not happen through a gradual process but is an immediate act of God. The very economy of words Scripture uses to describe the new birth suggests this to us. Life is either implanted or not; there are no intermediate stages. We are either (made) alive, or we are not. We are either born (again), or we are not.
Regeneration is an instantaneous miracle performed by the Holy Spirit. It operates in the sub-conscious or unconscious realms, beyond our full comprehension. During Jesus’ famous conversation with Nicodemus, he alluded to this when he said the new birth is an operation we can’t fully understand or perceive. The first thing we know about it is that it’s happened. We see the results, and then we know it’s happened.
This is what Jesus meant in John 3:8, when he likened regeneration to the wind, which blows where it pleases, emphasising its miraculous and mysterious nature.
“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).
A person who is born of the Spirit experiences this transformative work, enabling them to perceive and enter the Kingdom of God:
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God'”. (John 3:3).
A person may have several opportunities to hear the gospel before he becomes born again; however, they don’t slowly experience the new birth in stages, as it were, until finally they become ‘fully born again’. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus in John 3 above prove otherwise. Except a man is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom. Except we are regenerate, we can’t even begin to see the Kingdom at all. Dead men don’t see. They must first be made alive.
Regeneration: The Creative Act of God
Regeneration is solely the creative act of God, in which man contributes nothing. The Scriptures highlight that individuals are born again, not by their own will or bloodline but through the work of God within them:
“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).
“Who were born“. God is the one who implants this life in man. “Not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God“. We don’t give birth to ourselves. Neither can we become God’s children by our own efforts; it is the work of God in us. It is an act that surpasses human agency, as amply demonstrated by various biblical passages which point to the fact that man in sin is impotent and lifeless till God breathes new life into us.
Consider the following Scriptural connotations to our life before regeneration:
We were dead in sins (Ephesians 2:3-4).
We were blind in sin (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Our hearts were like stones (Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 24:7).
(Heart here, as in the rest of Scripture, refers to the very centre of one’s personality—the fundamental disposition – see explanation of disposition above).
By nature, no man will (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Thus, the spiritual rebirth (regeneration) is a divine initiative, as it resurrects the spiritually dead, illuminates the darkened hearts, and opens hearts to receive God’s truth.
Conclusion
Regeneration is a profound transformation that takes place within the soul, marking the beginning of a new spiritual life. It is distinct from conversion, as it is the work of God implanting a new disposition within individuals. Regeneration does not involve physical changes or the acquisition of new faculties but rather the infusion of a principle of new life. This miraculous act of God affects the whole person, including their will and affections, enabling them to respond to the call of the gospel and experience the profound blessings of being called the children of God.
