Bethel MBC   May 7, 2008

Basic Baptist Doctrine

Lesson 13; from a lesson taught by

Elder Kent Welch; 12-13-01

 Regeneration or the New Birth

I. Definition:

a. Regeneration is the process by which we are “born again”; or made alive as a result of repentance and faith.

b. The Greek word for regeneration is palingensia  (pal-ing-ghen-es-ee’-ah) which comes from Strong’s #3824 and refers to a (spiritual) rebirth (the state or act).  i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration.

Easton’s Revised Bible Dictionary further states that the word literally means a “new birth”.  The word (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes produced by the return of Spring.

II. Word Occurance

a. The word “regeneration” appears only twice in the Bible, but the concept of regeneration or rebirth is taught throughout the Bible, including the Old Testament.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

I John 3:14 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Ephesians 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

III. Regeneration and the Two Natures of Man

A. Regeneration takes place in the inner part of man, the soul

John 3:1-6 1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Jesus was speaking here of the new birth and distinguishing between being born of the flesh (water), and born of the Spirit.

Although the soul of man is what is “born again”, this rebirth of the soul has a definite impact upon the outer man.  The Bible teaches us that a truly regenerated man will show evidences of such in his outer man.  We are told to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling”, etc.  True Baptists have long been accused of being converted and then “living however we want”.  The truth is that a genuine new birth will naturally lead towards an outer change as well.  An illustration might be our usage of higher octane gasoline in our vehicles.  Buy the cheaper stuff when you have an engine that requires better and it will not run well.  However, if that fuel is removed and replaced with the higher octane, it runs like it was meant to function.  Comparatively, we cannot “run like we should” due to the sin in our souls and hearts.  Salvation and regeneration bring a removal of the old and delivery of the new and improved nature, a godly nature….and we run (in spirit) like we were created to run…in purity and holiness.

The inner man must become the driving and controlling force over the outer man.  Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary states, “Regeneration involves an illumination of the mind, a change of the will, and a renewed nature.  It extends to the total nature of man, irrevocably altering his governing disposition, and restoring him to a true experimental knowledge of Christ.”

B. The effects of regeneration upon the outer man

Harper’s Bible Dictionary: “Regeneration is therefore new life made possible to men by Jesus Christ through the power of the Spirit, and it involves a new relation to God, a new relation to men, and by consequence a new quality of experience describable as “life hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

Not only is our relationship with God changed, our relationships with others are changed as well.

Naturally speaking, relationships are established upon our natural birth into a family (i.e. cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc).  Likewise, we are born into  relationships with people when we are “rebirthed” into the family of God.

IV. The Process of Regeneration

A. It originates with God

John 1:12-13  12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

B. Follows Repentance and Faith

Regeneration is the process performed by God through the office of the Holy Spirit after repentance has been offered and faith exercised.

V. Our 7^th Article of Faith  “Grace in Regeneration”

“We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind, that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth; so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith; and newness of life." 

VI. Questions for discussion

a. What is the difference between regeneration and justification?

b. What is the difference between regeneration and sanctification?

c. Should we expect to see outward evidence in those claiming to be saved?

d. What does the word “regeneration” mean?

e. What changes occur in our lives as a result of regeneration?

f. Which article of faith speaks concerning regeneration?

g. Explain Jesus’ meaning in speaking to Nicodemus in John 3 regarding being born of water AND of the Spirit to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.