John 3v1-7 Focus on the Faith - Regeneration
It is beyond all doubt that we live in a day of compromise and apostasy. In such a climate, it is therefore not surprising that the great fundamental truths of our Christian Faith are under extreme attack. Paul warned of this (2 Tim. 4v3-4). He also added that men would “depart from the faith” (1 Tim. 4v1).
His antidote was to “Preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4v2). The day in which we live is marked by such departures as Paul anticipated. With this in view we start a short series of doctrinal studies in the great words of our faith. The first of these is the doctrine of regeneration. There are three things worthy of attention.
(1) The Principle of Regeneration
Greek word for regeneration is (palingenesis) & is found twice in the NT (Matt 19v28; Titus 3v5). Only in Titus does it refer to the beginning of new life. Word means “new birth, renewal, born a second time, generated over again.” One who is born into the world spiritually dead must be born a second time into a new (God’s) family.
There are other terms used in Bible to define and describes the act of regeneration. See the following (1 Pet. 1v3; John 1v13; 3v3-8, 1 Pet. 1v23; 1 John 2v29, 3v9, 4v7, 5v1). The thought of the production of new life is expressed in (Eph 2v10) - something created of God within. This produces a new creature (2 Cor. 5v17).
So then the word regeneration simply means the act of God by which new life is imparted to the person who trusts Christ as Saviour. Study material: Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 10 & Shorter Catechisms 30-31. Justification gives us a righteous standing before God; adoption gives us an adult standing in God’s family, but regeneration gives us the life and nature of God in the soul.
(2) The Priority of Regeneration
According to the W.C.F. effectual calling includes regeneration, yet the two can be distinguished. The following order in effectual calling and regeneration should be noted.
First, there is general call in preaching of Word leading to conviction (Matt. 20v16). This call shows men what they ought to do to be saved, & renders them inexcusable in case of disobedience.
Second, there is a creative work in which God generates new life, changing the disposition of the will & renewing it. In this act of regeneration the ear is implanted that enables man to hear the call of God (Ezek 36v26).
Third, having received the spiritual ear, the call of God in the Gospel, is now heard effectually by sinner (John 6v37).
Regeneration is solely the work of God (John 1v13). Lazarus was passive at that point in time when his body was reanimated. He could do nothing for himself. Apply spiritually. Note - we are born again by the Spirit of God (Jam. 1v18) and the Word of God (1 Pet. 1v23). It is all of God and all of His free and sovereign grace.
(3) The Proof of Regeneration
How does regeneration manifest itself in the life of a believer? In the first place regeneration brings about the renewing of the will (Larger Cat. 67). Regeneration then is the origination of a new inclination in the will of man. Now by the miracle of regeneration God inclines man to holiness & disinclines him to sin.
Regeneration also brings about illumination of the mind. In this act God produces an effect upon the human understanding (Larger Cat. 67; 2 Cor 4:6; Eph 1:18). The light of the truth dawns on his mind and he feels in the heart experimentally what the Gospel states. The condition of unregenerate is ignorance (Rom. 10:3; 1 Pet 1:14).
The condition of regeneration is knowledge (Phil 3:10; 2 Cor 4:6). This calling brings about the first holy exercises of the renewed will & life that is born in the soul. At this point the work turns into conversion. Regeneration is the cause of conversion. A man is not regenerated because he first repents but he repents because he has been regenerated. In consequence of the change wrought in regeneration, he obeys & co-operates with grace.