Word Study ~ "Regeneration"

“Regeneration” is the act/experience of being spiritually restored to God. The most common terms used are “saved” and “born again.” Regeneration is a gift of God. It is an extremely personal occurrence between an individual and the living God of Creation.

Other terminology: New birth, restoration, renewed, reborn

The act of “regeneration” cannot be obtained through that of bloodlines, union of parents, or of a wealthy or powerful ancestry, nor does ascribing to any religion. It is not an entitlement. Man does not have the power through his own fleshly will to bring salvation (regeneration) to himself or give it to another. Man must of his own free will desire to be born of God (“born again”). Man’s heart is and “enemy of the spirit” and throughout the Holy Scriptures is shamefully and naturally corrupt. There is absolutely nothing man can do of his own accord that can merit the gift of salvation or “new birth.” All men are of one blood (descendants of Adam) being tainted with sin, having no influence on regeneration. Man’s blood is of no value for salvation. It is only through the blood of Christ, which cleanses of all sin that regeneration happens. God, through prescribing salvation by Christ Jesus alone, gifts this new birth “through His will, His own unlimited power, and boundless mercy!”

All that believe in the name of Christ are regenerated [born again/saved] and quickened [given life] by the Spirit [Holy Spirit] and grace of God [favor/blessing] partaking of divine nature and are made “new creatures.” This is the evidence of being a son of God [adopted by God through restoration/regeneration].

Therefore, those who have believed on the name of Jesus Christ have not become sons of God (born again) by the blood of their ancestry, nor by the will of a man and woman in sexual relations, nor by the desire to adopt a child; Nor, is it just knowing Him in their mind, but that of knowing Him in their heart – the most inner part of a person’s soul – and, that of God knowing that man or woman personally through adoption into the family of God through the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ who paid for their adoption on Calvary.

Scripture Passages:

John 3:1 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:”

John 3:2 “The 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.”

John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (my emphasis)

John 3:4 “Nicodemus 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?”

John 3:5 “Jesus 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.” (my emphasis)

John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (my emphasis)

We are spiritual beings. One of the great mysteries is that of having a physical body with a spirit living in it. Your body is not your soul or spirit – they are separate. The body will die, the spirit lives for eternity.

The result of sin has every person estranged from God from the moment of conception. We are not born innocent, but guilty. Adam and Eve were created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26a “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”) and enjoyed a free and sinless life, actually walking with God in their presence in the Garden. But, because of Adam’s sin of disobedience (he also took of the fruit to eat) in the Garden of Eden (Adam sinned, Eve was beguiled), all descendants (everyone soul who has or will be born) are tainted with Adam’s likeness (Genesis 5:3 “And Adam…begat a son in his own likeness, after his image,” – a sinful nature, also referred to as the “Adamic” nature). We are all guilty of sin and having our backs naturally turned to the living God and remain that way (*“lost” and dying) until we choose of our own free will to be restored to God. We must do this on His terms - His way. All roads may lead to Rome – but there is only ONE Way to have the privilege of seeing or entering the kingdom of God. “Regeneration” is of utmost necessity if one desires to enter and see the kingdom of God.

*“Lost” is a term to be understood in order to understand why “regeneration” is required.

~ Other terminology: Misplaced, disoriented, confused, missing, gone astray, wasted

Prior to spiritual regeneration man is misplaced from God, disoriented and confused regarding salvation, are missing and will remain absent from His presence, are gone astray regarding the need of their eternal soul for salvation, and will be wasted for all eternity if they do not exercise their free will and accept God’s gift of salvation purchased through the blood of His Son, at the urging (feeling that heart tug) of the Holy Spirit.

Christ Jesus was born into this world for one reason – to die – for you. He came to seek you out and to save you from an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

~ Luke 19:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”