Regeneration (ABC-1905)

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

What It Means

ἀναγεννάω (anagennaō). vb. to beget again. This word denotes begetting again or giving birth to again.

ἀποκυέω (apokyeō). vb. to give birth to, bring into being. This verb refers to giving birth to a child.

γεννάω (gennaō). to beget; to give birth, bear. This verb refers to becoming the parent of someone and is used both of fathers and of mothers.

In John 3, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus about being “born (gennaō) again (ἄνωθεν, anōthen).” The word anōthen can mean either “from above” or “from the beginning, again,” so the whole phrase may mean either “born from above” or “born again.”

Regeneration is our birth into God’s family

John 3:3–5 NKJV

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Regeneration is a means of our salvation

Titus 3:5 NKJV

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Regeneration is God’s will for us

James 1:18 NKJV

18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

John 1:12–13 NKJV

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

How It Happens

Regeneration is made possible by God’s (1) Word and (2) Holy Spirit

God’s Word

1 Peter 1:23 NKJV

23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

God’s Word and Spirit - Titus 3.5

Titus 3:5 NKJV

5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

LOUTRON - washing (of regeneration)

Ephesians 5.26 - washing of water by the Word

ANAKAINOSIS - renewing (of the Holy Spirit)

Regeneration is being born of water and the Spirit

John 3:5 NKJV

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus’ exampleship - Matthew 3.13-16

Peter’s sermon - Acts 2.38

Water baptism does not save - 1 Peter 3.21

When It Happens

Regeneration takes place when one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit

John 3.7-8

Acts 2.38 - you will received the gift of the Holy Spirit

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the indwelling of the Spirit of God in the believer’s life.

Romans 8:9 NKJV

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

When does the Holy Spirit come (to baptize and to dwell in)?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit comes after one has expressed repentance from sin and faith in the Saving work of Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 NKJV

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Conclusion

Regeneration or new birth is the general terminology that we use to describe the three primary works of God in our salvation.

Justified - by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ

Sanctified - by the Holy Spirit, applying the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus in the believer’s heart

Baptized with the Holy Spirit - the Spirit of God coming in to dwell in us, and give power for service

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