In this second installment, we will explore biblically the concept of Regeneration. This is indeed of paramount importance since Jesus proclaimed that one “must be born again or cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Incidentally, He said this to the most religious man of the day, Nicodemus (John 3). In order to understand this doctrine, as well as related others, we must realize our pre-salvation condition.
Secular culture maintains that man is fundamentally good. The Bible paints a completely different picture. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Ephesians, relates that man, apart from Christ, is “dead in his trespasses and sins” (2:1). He or she is completely dominated by their flesh, Satan, and the world system that envelopes them. This condition is of such gravity that it renders the person unable to do anything about their situation, so much so that they have no desire to do anything about it. This is consistent in Paul’s teaching as he wrote the same to the Romans (8:6-7) and the Colossians (2:13). One must be reborn because Scripture sees them as spiritually dead.
This doctrine gives full meaning to the reality of God’s grace. Without His unilateral intervention, we are doomed, completely without hope. God, in His mercy, “causes us to be born again to a living Hope,” the Apostle Peter intimates (1 Peter 1:3). In genuine terms, the Holy Spirit comes into the dead heart and regenerates it, enabling repentance and faith. Interestingly, this was foretold by the Prophets, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, in particular in what is called The New Covenant.
In Jeremiah, chapter 31, God speaking through the prophet, relates that He will do a new work that includes radical surgery. He will act in such a way that He will implant a unique knowledge and attitude. This describes Regeneration. God says that He will remove our heart of stone which is dead and unresponsive to Him, and implant a spiritually sensitive heart of flesh. The reason for this transformation is elaborated on in 32:40. God says that He is enacting the New Covenant to restore a proper relationship. One in which He will not turn away from His people, and they will not turn away from Him! He will unilaterally put the fear of God in them.
The prophet Ezekiel relates the same in chapters 36 and 37 by providing a powerful illustration of the New Birth. He likens Israel to a deep valley of dry, bleached-out bones. At the appointed time, He causes His Spirit to pass over them and bring them to life. This miraculous event provides for Himself a powerful army for His purposes.
A proper understanding of the doctrine of Regeneration is essential to the Gospel. It describes the grace of God acting monergistically to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). It underscores the fact that our salvation has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Him!
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