Faith Matters: July 1, 2009

The word <I>regeneration</I> is used in the Bible to refer to a restoration or a spiritual rebirth.

The Greek word for <I>regeneration</I> means, "to be born again." It is a critically important concept!

Jesus said, "You must be born again" (John 3:7) for unless one is born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3,5)

The new birth is necessary because the natural man is spiritually dead. (Ephesians 2:1, 5)

When the first man, Adam, disobeyed God he died spiritually; he was cut off from the life of God. He and all humanity thus became subject to physical death (Romans 5:12) and ultimately eternal separation from God. (Revelation 20:11-15)

God's good news is that those who are dead in their transgressions can be regenerated or born again!

Regeneration consists of the impartation of God's life and nature to those who are spiritually dead making them His children. (John 1:12-13)

We can receive God's life - eternal life - (John 5:24) and enter the kingdom of His beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13) We can receive a new nature - God's nature - (2 Peter 1:4) and have a living hope made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3)

But how is a spiritually dead person regenerated?

Jesus made it clear that a person is regenerated or born again by simply believing in Him. (John 1:12; 3:16, 36)

When we take Him at His word (Romans 10:17) and trust in Him for eternal life, (1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23) God causes us to be born again. (James 1:18)