DOCTRINE OF REGENERATION
December 4, 1985
  1. Greek vocabulary.
    1. VAnagenna,w, anagennao: a verb meaning "to be born again" (1Pet.1:3,23; peculiar to Peter, 2X only).
    2. Genna,w, gennao - verb; + a;nwqen, anothen - adverb: born again; born from above; is used to indicate a spiritual birth (Jn.3:3,7).
    3. Genna,w, gennao; + evk, ek; + ablative of "water and Spirit" (Jn.3:5).
    4. Genna,w, gennao; + evk, ek; + pneu,ma, pneuma (Jn.3:6,8).
    5. Genna,w, gennao; + evk tou/ Qeou/, ek tou theou (1Jn:3:9).
    6. Paliggenesi,a, paliggenesia: "new birth"; "regeneration" (2X: Mt.19:28; Ti.3:5).
  2. Definition.
    1. Theologically, the term means the giving of eternal life (Jn.1:12,13; 3:16, in context).
    2. The term refers to what God does at the point of faith in Christ (1Jn.5:1,4,5,18).
    3. It does not include the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit or the believing of the individual.
  3. The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration (Jn.3:3-7; Ti.3:5).
  4. The Word is also associated with regeneration (Jn.3:5, "water" = the Word; 1Pet.1:23, "seed" = the Word).
  5. Features of regeneration.
    1. It is instantaneous, not progressive (Jn.3:8, analogy to wind).
    2. It is non-experiential (Jn.1:12,13).
    3. It is not a result of works (Ti.3:5).
  6. The new birth implies the doctrine of sonship (Jn.1:12,13).
  7. The natural man cannot comprehend it (Jn.3:4,9,10,12).
  8. Proofs (assurances) of regeneration.
    1. Practice of righteousness (1Jn.2:29).
    2. Non-habitual sinning (1Jn.3:9; 5:18).
    3. Love for other believers (1Jn.4:7) and God (1Jn.5:1).
  9. Belief in Christ secures regeneration for the individual (1Jn.5:4,5).
  10. Regeneration gives us hope for the guarantee of future resurrection (1Pet.1:3).
  11. There is a spiritual bath associated with regeneration (Ti.3:5).
  12. Newborn Christians should immediately be positive to basic doctrines (1Pet.2:1-5, e.g., Rebound, GAP, salvation, spiritual sacrifices).
  13. 1Pet.1:23 indicates regeneration is permanent, supporting the Doctrine of Eternal Security.
    1. The natural birth is based on a perishable thing. Flesh begets flesh.
    2. The new birth is based on imperishable seed. God the Holy Spirit brings a new creation into existence, the Believer-Priest.
Reviewed: May 26, 1996
Reviewed: December 16, 1998
© Copyright 1998, Maranatha Church, Inc.