Okay, let's tackle the subject of Regeneration. Keeping in mind, that for a subject of this difficulty, we really need a far better platform than this chat to do it justice but I will give the basics.
First let's start with what the word "Regeneration" means; both Socially and Biblically. The social Dictionary defines "Regeneration" as: 1) Being in a regenerated state. 2) In biology, the ability to regrow a damaged part or organ. 3) Spiritually, a spiritual renewal or rebirth.
It is the third definition that we are going to concentrate on, as this is what the Bible teaches about Regeneration - that is - it is the rebirth of a person's "spiritual condition".
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit;
But why does a person need to be "Regenerated"? What is the problem?
The problem is summed up in these verses:
Rom_5:12 Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:--
1Cor 2:14 Now the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. (or determined).
The "one man" - spoken of in Romans 5:12 - was Adam. When Adam fell in sin, all fell in him, even though we were not yet born. Notice in the last part of 5:12, this brought about death and it was passed on to all men. So all men will experience physical death, to be sure but all men also died "spiritually" and are spiritually dead from the moment they are born. How do we know this statement - all men are spiritually dead - to be true? Read these verses:
Eph. 2:1b ..when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,
Eph. 2:5a even when we were dead through our trespasses..
Obviously, this cannot mean physically dead because both verses are in the past tense; so those being spoken of are physically alive. Therefore, this was the spiritual state of an individual while they were still unregenerate. Walking in the ways of the world and doing unspeakable things. They were the children of wrath. (Eph. 2:2 & 3)
So what is the corrective action for this problem? God, through His mercy and Grace, sends the Holy Spirit to individuals to be Regenerated. This is a secret work of the Spirit, which Jesus Christ was enlightening Nicodemus to in John 3:1-10. Without Regeneration, no one can enter into the Kingdom because no one will believe God's Word and thus, no one will believe on the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Regeneration does for the elect person, what "recharging" does for a dead battery. A dead battery is useless in it's present state. Recharge the battery and you have altered it's state to one that can be useful. Likewise with us. In our natural state, we are useless to God and have nothing but enmity for Him. (Rom. 8:6-8) However, once Regenerated and renewed by the Holy Spirit, we can become useful. Our spiritual state has been quickened - made alive again. (Eph. 2:1 & 5)
Some would have us believe that we are Regenerated after we believe on Christ but this makes no sense because if we can believe on Jesus Christ without first being Regenerated, then what would be the purpose in Regeneration? If we already have an enlivened spirit, then there is nothing to Regenerate. After all, you don't recharge a perfectly good battery. The need for Regeneration, presupposes that we are spiritually dead and therefore, are in need of a regenerating work.
Since the Holy Spirit, is the only one who can carry out Regeneration in a person and He must be sent to that person in God's predetermined time, it makes understanding Election and Predestination a forgone conclusion. The Father has determined who will be Regenerated and when they will be Regenerated. Notice what Jesus said in this verse:
John 6:39, 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. (40) For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholds the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (The number that believes on the Son is equal to the number the Father gave to Him which is equal to the number that has, is and will be Regenerated).
To deny the need for Regeneration before belief, is to deny all that the Scriptures teach about Salvation.
While most new converts only recognize a new found interest in the Gospel message and begin to understand it's meaning; they may not be aware of why they are now interested in something they never had interest in before. Only through good sound Doctrinal teaching will they become aware of how God accomplished salvation in their lives. All they know is - they heard the message - they realized they were sinners - they repented - and believed on Jesus for their salvation. Regeneration made it possible. God moving first in a person, enabling that one to move towards God.
