REGENERATION IN THE BIBLE
Regeneration in the bible refers to the spiritual transformation or rebirth that occurs when a person becomes a believer in Jesus Christ. It involves the renewal of the human spirit by the Holy Spirit, leading to a new life and a new nature.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
( 2 Corinthians 5: 17 )
Regeneration is not achieved through human effort or merit but is a result of God’s mercy and the work of the Holy Spirit. It involves a washing away of sin and a renewal of the inner being.
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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.”
(Titus 3: 4- 5 )
- In Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, he explains that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
( John 3: 3- 8 )
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” ( Ephesians 2: 4- 5 )
This verse underscores that regeneration is an act of God’s grace, where believers are made spiritually alive in Christ.
Etymology
Greek (παλιγγενεσία – palingenesia)
• Palin : Means “again” or “anew.”
• Genesis : Means “birth” or “origin.”
Therefore, “palingenesia” literally means “new birth” or “rebirth” in Greek, emphasizing a spiritual renewal or transformation.
Hebrew:
• While Hebrew does not have a single word directly equivalent to “regeneration,” concepts like chiddush (renewal), bri’ah chadashah (new creation), and shivat haneshamah (restoration of the soul) capture the idea of spiritual renewal and transformation.
Purpose of Regeneration
The purpose of regeneration includes:
- Restoration of Relationship
It restores our broken relationship with God, enabling us to have fellowship with Him.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
• Transformation of Character
It brings about a change in our inner being, aligning our desires and actions with God’s will
2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ( Romans 12: 2 )
• Empowerment for Service:
It equips believers with spiritual gifts and abilities to serve God and others effectively
( 1 Corinthians 12: 7 -11)
Regeneration and Grace: A Universal Call to Transformation
Regeneration, rooted in God’s grace, is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology. It involves the spiritual rebirth and renewal of individuals through the work of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live by God’s will.
Conversion and Calling of Paul
Paul’s ministry exemplifies God’s universal love and grace, extending the message of regeneration through faith in Jesus Christ to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. His letters and journeys documented in the New Testament emphasize God’s desire for all to experience spiritual rebirth and renewal through faith in Christ, echoing the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” ( Genesis 12: 3 )
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ( Titus 3: 6 – 7 )
This passage underscores that regeneration is a result of God’s mercy and grace, not our own efforts. It involves a renewal of the inner self by the Holy Spirit, leading to justification and the hope of eternal life.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” ( Ephesians 2: 8 – 9 )
Here, Paul emphasizes that salvation and regeneration are entirely based on God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a gift from God, not something earned through human effort.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
( Romans 5: 8 )
This verse highlights the universality of God’s love and grace. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for all humanity, demonstrating God’s love even for those who were still in sin.
Transformation and Universality
• From Individualism to Universality
The life of Abraham serves as an example of God’s universal plan. Initially called out individually, Abraham became a conduit through which God’s blessing and promise were extended to all nations.
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'” ( Genesis 12: 1- 3 )
• St. Paul’s Mission
Paul’s ministry exemplified the extension of God’s love and grace to all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. His letters and journeys reflect God’s desire for all to experience regeneration through faith in Christ.
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'” ( Acts 9: 3 – 6 )
This event marks Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encounters Jesus Christ and is transformed from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle preaching the gospel.
Paul’s Commission to the Gentiles
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.'” ( Acts 9: 15 )
Here, God affirms Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, indicating that Paul’s ministry is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations.
The Gospel for All Nations
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” ( Romans 1: 16 )
Paul emphasizes that the gospel is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. It is through faith in Christ that people of all nations can experience salvation and spiritual regeneration.
Regeneration through Faith in Christ
This passage underscores that regeneration is a result of God’s mercy and grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves a renewal by the Holy Spirit, leading to justification and the hope of eternal life.
2 This righteousness is given through faith in[a] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ( Romans 3: 22 – 24 )
Inclusivity of God’s Plan
Paul teaches that in Christ, distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender are transcended. All believers are united in Christ and are recipients of God’s grace and regeneration.
11Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. ( Colossians 3: 11 )
Continuous Transformation
Transfer Toward God’s Love
Regeneration involves a continuous transformation of the human soul towards God’s love. It begins with salvation through faith in Christ and continues through sanctification, where believers grow in their likeness to Christ.
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 1: 6 )
Impact on the Heart
As individuals experience God’s grace and regeneration, their hearts are transformed, aligning with God’s love and purposes. This transformation influences their actions, relationships, and worldview.
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. ( Ezekiel 36: 26 – 27 )
Benefits of Regeneration
Regeneration, understood as the spiritual rebirth and renewal through faith in Jesus Christ, brings several significant benefits to believers:
1. Relationship with God
• Always with the Lord
Regeneration restores our relationship with God, enabling us to have fellowship with Him. Through the Holy Spirit, believers experience the constant presence of God in their lives.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ( John 14: 16 – 17 )
• Under His Love and Grace
God’s love and grace are foundational to regeneration. We experience His unconditional love and undeserved favor, which sustain and empower us in our spiritual journey.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ( Ephesians 2: 4 – 5 )
2. Transformation and Renewal
• New Life in Christ
Regeneration marks a new beginning where believers are made new creations in Christ.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
( 2 Corinthians 5: 17)
The old way of life characterized by sin and separation from God is replaced by a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Renewed Mind and Heart
Believers are transformed from the inside out, with their minds renewed to align with God’s will. This transformation impacts attitudes, behaviors, and relationships.
2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ( Romans 12: 2 )
3. Blessings and Provision
• God’s Provision
As children of God, believers are assured of God’s provision and care
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
( Philippians 4: 19 )
This includes spiritual blessings such as peace, joy, and eternal life, as well as practical blessings that meet our needs on earth.
• Fulfillment of God’s Promises
God’s promises to bless His people and to work all things for their good are fulfilled in the lives of those who are regenerated through faith in Christ.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ( Romans 8: 28 )
4. Participation in God’s Plan
• Unity and Inclusivity
Through regeneration, believers become part of God’s universal plan of redemption. The example of the 12 tribes of Israel, initially chosen by God and later extended to include all nations through Christ, illustrates God’s intention to bless all peoples.
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
( Galatians 3: 28 – 29 )
• Impact on the World
Regenerated individuals become agents of God’s love and transformation in the world. Their lives reflect God’s glory and draw others to Him, contributing to the spread of the gospel and the advancement of His kingdom.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
( Matthew 5: 14 – 16 )
This passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount emphasizes that regenerated individuals are called to be lights in the world. By living out their faith through good deeds and righteous living, they reflect God’s glory and draw others to Him.
- Believers, as new creations in Christ through regeneration, are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. They are ambassadors for Christ, carrying the message of God’s love and forgiveness to the world, thereby impacting others and inviting them into a relationship with God.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
( 2 Corinthians 5: 18 – 20 )
- Jesus’ words to His disciples before His ascension highlight the empowering effect of the Holy Spirit on regenerated individuals. They are empowered to bear witness about Jesus Christ locally (Jerusalem), regionally (Judea and Samaria), and globally (to the ends of the earth), thereby impacting the world with the gospel message.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ( Acts 1: 8 )
- Regenerated individuals on how to live out their faith in practical ways. By demonstrating virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and love, believers not only reflect God’s character but also impact others positively, fostering unity and reconciliation.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” ( Colossians 3: 12 – 14 )
Regenerated individuals, transformed by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be agents of God’s love and transformation in the world. Their lives, characterized by righteous living, forgiveness, and love, serve as a testimony to God’s glory and draw others to Him. Through their witness and ministry, they contribute to the spread of the gospel and the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth. Regenerated leads to a life that reflects God’s love and purpose, influencing others and bringing glory to His name.