Regeneration

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.

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.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act of regenerating, or the state of being regenerated.

2. The entering into a new spiritual life; the act of becoming, or of being made, Christian; that change by which holy affectations and purposes are substituted for the opposite motives in the heart. He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Chost. Tit. iii. 5.

3. The reproduction of a part which has been removed or destroyed; re-formation; -- a process especially characteristic of a many of the lower animals; as, the regeneration of lost feelers, limbs, and claws by spiders and crabs.

4. The reproduction or renewal of tissues, cells, etc., which have been used up and destroyed by the ordinary processes of life; as, the continual regeneration of the epithelial cells of the body, or the regeneration of the contractile substance of muscle.

5. The union of parts which have been severed, so that they become anatomically perfect; as, the regeneration of a nerve.