Regeneration

<<given new life, restoration>>

This not only refers to the initial act of conversion at salvation but also encompasses the ongoing renewal process of restoring what sin has destroyed.

Various terms are mentioned in the Bible including; receiving Jesus, born of God, born again, born of the Spirit, being converted, new creation, new birth (Jn 3:3,6; Act 3:19; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 1:3,23).

In addition, terms such as becoming a Christian and giving one’s heart to the Lord are used to describe the salvation experience. Rebirth – the new birth or being born again – is distinguished from our natural birth, which was the result of being conceived physically, entering the earthly realm and inheriting our sin nature. “He has saved us through the

Do you have a spiritual as well as a physical birthday?

washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit…” (Tit 3:5). Note: Rebirth by the Holy Spirit is not to be confused with the New Age rebirthing breathing exercises.

Our natural state is one of being “dead in trespasses and sins” until we are regenerated or made alive by Christ at salvation, in what is called the spiritual birth. God said He would give us a new heart and a new spirit – a new mindset, (from sin-focused to God-focused), along with a place in heaven (Ezek 36:26; Eph 2:1-6). The Bible is clear that without the new birth no one can enter the Kingdom of God (Jn 3:3,5). The initiative comes from God with the Holy Spirit drawing people to Christ, which has far-reaching effects (Jn 1:13, 6:44).

Be active in pursuing righteousness to grow and progress in your relationship with Christ (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18).

Before the new birth took place, sin controlled us as we walked in the flesh and rebellion towards God but now as we allow the Spirit to control us, we ‘work out our salvation’ living in reverence of God and walking in newness of life (Act 9:31; Rom 6:4, 8:4-14; Eph 2:2; Phil 2:12; 1 Jn 3:9, 5:18).

Regeneration is necessary as sinful human flesh can’t dwell in God’s presence (Ps 5:4; Isa 59:2; Jn 3:3). Physical birth is how we enter this world; spiritual rebirth is how we enter heaven for there is no way except through Jesus and the new life He offers; we can’t reach it by our effort or good

Through physical birth we enter this world but heaven through spiritual rebirth

works (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12; Rom 3:20; Eph 2:8,9). At the moment of salvation we are made alive spiritually, have peace with God, are granted son-ship and the process of sanctification begins so we will become the people God intends us to be (Jn 1:12,13; Rom 8:28-30; Gal 3:26, 4:6).