Chapter One

The Significance of Regeneration: A Crucial Truth

In a country where almost half of the adults claim to be "born again" it is obvious that there is great confusion about the meaning of regeneration.1 This mis-understanding is widespread within the evangelical church. The concept has been so weakened and diluted of its biblical meaning that people without any concrete evidence of lasting spiritual change are routinely regarded as being "born again Christians."

The unbroken sinfulness and rebellion of professing Christians is commonly explained by the fact that they have not yet "surrendered" to Christ. The result of all this is that there has been a devaluing of the radical nature of God’s renewing work. As we shall see, the new birth (or regeneration, to use the theological term) is a radical change of the core disposition and nature of a person that fundamentally transforms both their attitudes and behavior for life.

In this study I will look at several key aspects of regeneration. I will begin by looking at the critical importance of rightly understanding the biblical teaching regarding regeneration. Next I will discuss the necessity of regeneration because of man’s depraved sinful condition. After that I will examine the characteristics and nature of regeneration. followed by a look into the unfailing consequences and evidences of regeneration in a persons life. The relationship between regeneration and faith will be examined in chapter five. In the closing chapter I will discuss the practical ramifications of what we have learned about this great work of the Holy Spirit.