Regeneration: Being Born Again
The concept of "being born again" or "regeneration" is central to the Christian faith, representing a profound spiritual transformation essential for salvation and eternal life. It is not merely a decision or an outward change of behaviour, but an inward work of God's Spirit, imparting new life to a soul dead in trespasses and sins. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself declared the absolute necessity of this spiritual birth to Nicodemus, a master of Israel, stating, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) This declaration underscores that regeneration is not optional for those who desire to enter God's kingdom; it is the divine prerequisite. It is the miraculous work of God by which a spiritual corpse is made alive, receiving a new nature, new desires, and a new relationship with its Creator. This article will explore the necessity, the author, the means, and the evidences of this glorious work of regeneration, as revealed in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
The Necessity of Regeneration
Why is regeneration absolutely necessary? The Bible teaches that humanity, since the fall of Adam, is spiritually dead and inherently corrupt. Man is born into sin, separated from God, and incapable of pleasing Him in his natural state. The apostle Paul eloquently describes this condition:
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
This spiritual death means that the unregenerate heart is hostile towards God, unable to understand or submit to His laws. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." (Romans 8:7) The natural man cannot comprehend spiritual truths because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and we are by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit (Matthew 7:18); therefore, a new nature is required to produce righteousness and holiness. Without this radical change, man remains enslaved to sin and destined for eternal separation from God. The old nature, dominated by the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God, as Christ reiterated:
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
This verse clearly distinguishes between the two births: the physical birth into a fallen nature and the spiritual birth into a new, divine nature. This spiritual birth is the only way to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, enabling man to truly see, enter, and enjoy the kingdom of God.
The Author of Regeneration
Who performs this miraculous work of regeneration? The Bible is unequivocal that regeneration is a sovereign act of God, specifically attributed to the Holy Spirit. It is not something man can achieve by his own will, effort, or merit. The apostle John emphasizes this divine origin:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
This passage clearly states that this spiritual birth is "not of blood" (heredity), "nor of the will of the flesh" (human effort or desire), "nor of the will of man" (any human agency or decision), "but of God." It is a divine initiative, a work of grace alone. The Holy Spirit is the active agent in this new birth, as Jesus explained:
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Just as the wind's movement is sovereign and mysterious, so is the work of the Spirit in regenerating a soul. God, in His infinite mercy, "hath saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). He takes out the stony heart and gives a heart of flesh, putting His Spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26-27). This divine authorship ensures that regeneration is a secure and irreversible change, as it depends entirely on God's power and faithfulness, not on the fickle will or strength of man.
The Means of Regeneration
While regeneration is solely God's work, He uses specific means to bring it about. The primary means through which God regenerates a soul is the Word of God, accompanied by the convicting and quickening power of the Holy Spirit. The written Word acts as the seed from which new life springs forth. The apostle Peter declares:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Similarly, James states, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1:18) The preaching and hearing of the gospel message are instrumental in this process. As the Spirit illuminates the mind and convicts the heart through the Word, the individual is enabled to respond in faith and repentance. Faith itself is a gift of God, and it is through this divinely enabled faith that one embraces Christ and receives new life. The Word of God, being living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12), penetrates the heart, exposes sin, reveals Christ, and becomes the instrument of new birth. It is not merely intellectual assent to biblical truths, but a supernatural quickening that enables the dead to hear the voice of the Son of God and live (John 5:25).
The Evidences of Regeneration
How can one know if they have been born again? While regeneration is an invisible, internal work of God, it inevitably produces visible, external evidences in the life of the regenerated individual. These evidences are not the cause of regeneration, but its fruit and confirmation. They serve as a vital test of true conversion:
These evidences are not exhaustive, but they provide a biblical framework for self-examination. A life transformed by God's grace will bear fruit consistent with a new nature.
Conclusion
Regeneration, or being born again, is an indispensable and supernatural work of God's grace, essential for salvation and entrance into His kingdom. It is not a human achievement but a divine impartation of spiritual life, transforming a heart of stone into a heart of flesh. This profound change is wrought by the Holy Spirit through the powerful and incorruptible Word of God, enabling a person to respond in faith and repentance. The regenerated life is characterized by new desires, a turning from sin, a deep love for God and His people, and a commitment to obedience. If these evidences are present in your life, rejoice in the glorious truth that you have been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the living and abiding Word of God. If not, consider the words of Christ: "Ye must be born again." (John 3:7) Seek Him who alone can give you this new life.