regeneration Summary and Overview

only found in Matt. 19:28 and Titus 3:5. This word literally means a "new birth." The Greek word so rendered (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes produced by the return of spring. In Matt. 19:28 the word is equivalent to the "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21). In Titus 3:5 it denotes that change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from death to life (1 John 3:14); becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17); being born again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2); a resurrection from the dead (Eph. 2:6); a being quickened (2:1, 5). This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. It originates not with man but with God (John 1:12, 13; 1 John 2:29; 5:1, 4). As to the nature of the change, it consists in the implanting of a new principle or disposition in the soul; the impartation of spiritual life to those who are by nature "dead in trespasses and sins." The necessity of such a change is emphatically affirmed in Scripture (John 3:3; Rom. 7:18; 8:7-9; 1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1; 4:21-24).

REGENERA'TION . This term occurs only in Matt 19:28 and Tit 3:5. As used by Matthew, it refers to the renovation or consummation of all things at Christ's second advent, when there shall be "new heavens and a new earth." "The washing of regeneration," in the latter passage, signifies the new birth from above or from the Holy Spirit, who makes us new creatures in Christ Jesus. Other words conveying precisely the same idea are of frequent occurrence. Our Saviour says to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again" (or rather, "from above," "from God"), "he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. Christians are described as born of God, John 1:12-13; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:4. They are also represented as begotten of God or by the word of God. Jas 1:18; 1 Pet 1:3, 1 Pet 1:23. And the same thing, in substance, is presented under the idea of a new creation, 2 Cor 5:17; a renewing of the mind, Rom 12:2; a renewing of the Holy Ghost, Tit 3:5; a resurrection from the dead, Eph 2:6; a being quickened, etc. Eph 2:1, 1 Chr 6:5. Regeneration, then, may be regarded as the communication of spiritual life to a soul previously dead in trespasses and sins by the almighty energy of the Holy Spirit, making use of the word of truth as an instrument; in consequence of which divine operation, the soul begins to apprehend spiritual things in a new light, to believe them in a new manner, to love them with an affection not before felt, and to act henceforth from new motives and for new ends.

palingenesia. Only twice in the New Testament: Titus 3:5 of the regeneration of the soul by the Holy Spirit, and Matthew 19:28 the regeneration of the body and of the material world. (See BAPTISM.) Besides his natural birthday the believer has a spiritual birthday in this life, and a birthday to glory in the life to come. The marks of regeneration are given 1 John 3:9; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 5:4. Only if God's Spirit regenerate the soul now will the same Spirit quicken to immortality and glory the body hereafter (Romans 8:11; Philemon 3:21). The third and crowning step will be the regeneration of our home, this earth, and of "the whole creation," "the restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21; Matthew 19:28; Romans 8:19-23). Nations and society shall be first regenerated in the millennial world, with Israel as their priest-kingly head (Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 2:11); wars shall cease, and even the wild beasts cease to rage. (See THOUSAND YEARS.) (Revelation 20; Isaiah 65:16-25). The final regeneration of the earth and nature shall be after the millennium (Revelation 21; 2 Peter 3:7-13).