Regeneratio, a term applied to baptism because when any one becomes a Christian he enters upon a real and new spiritual life. See BAPTISM.
Regeneration (iraXiyyevsaia, Tit. iii, 5, a bt ing born again), that work of the Holy Spirit by which we
experience a Change of heart. It is expressed in Script- ure by being born anew (John iii. 7. •■ from above"); be- ing quickened (Eph. ii, I); by Christ being found in the heart (Gal. iv, 19); a new creation | 2 < lor.v, 17): a renewing of the mind (Rom. xii. 2); the washing, i. e. the purifying of regeneration (Tit, iii. 5); a resurrec- tion from the dead (Eph. ii. 6); a putting off the old man, and a putting on the new man (iv, 22 24). And the subjects of this change are represent, d as begotten of God (John i, 13 ; 1 PeLi, 3); begotten of the Spirit (John iii. 8 I ; begotten of water, even oi the Spirit (ver. 5); new creatures (GaLvi,15); and partakers of the divine nature (- Pet. i. P. The efficient cause of regeneration is the divine spirit. Man is not the author ol the regen- eration (John i, 12, 13 ; iii.l: Eph.ii,8,10); theinstru- nii ni al cause is the word of God (James i, 18; l Pet, i. 23; l Cor. iv. 15). The change in regeneration con- sists in the recovery of the moral image of God upon the heart; that is. so as to love him supremely and serve him ultimately as our highest end. Regenera- tion consists in the implantation of the principle of love to God, which obtains the ascendency and habitually prevails over iis opposite. Although the inspired w rit-
erS USe various terms and modes of speech tO describe
this change of mind, styling ii conversion, regeneration,
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a new creation, etc., yet it is all effected by the word of truth or the Gospel of salvation gaining an entrance into the mind through divine teaching, so as to possess the understanding, subdue the will, and reign in the af- fections. In a word, it is faith working by love that constitutes the new creature or regenerate man (Gal. v, 6; 1 John v, 1-5). Regeneration, then, is the recovery of the moral image of God, and consequently of spiritu- al life, to a soul previously dead in trespasses and sins. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, opening the eyes of the mind, and enabling the sincere penitent to believe the Gospel and receive Christ as his only Saviour. This gracious work is in accordance both with the char- acter of the Holy Spirit and with the constitution of man ; hence, by it no violence is done to an)- physical, intellectual, or moral law or mode of action in human nature. The change is produced in the will, or heart, that is, in the moral, and not the natural, faculties of the soul. As depravity is wholly in the will and heart, the source and seat of all moral action, the divine oper- ation consists in renewing the heart, and communicat- ing a change of views, with a relish for the things of the Spirit. As justification places us in a new relation to God, so regeneration produces in us a new state of mind. In the case of children dying in infancy, they, of course, need regeneration to fit them for the eternal world. And there can be no difficulty in conceiving that they are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, in virtue of Christ's death, in the same sense in which they are depraved, in consequence of Adam's transgression ; the disposition to sin is removed, the disposition to holiness is implanted, and thus their salvation is secured. The evidences of regeneration are conviction of sin, holy sorrow, deep humility, knowledge, faith, repentance, love, and devotedness to God's glory. The properties of it are these: 1. It is a receptive work, and herein it differs from conversion. In regeneration we receive from God ; in conversion we are active and turn to him.
2. It is a powerful work of God's grace (Eph. iii, 8).
3. It is an instantaneous act, for there can be no medi- um between life and death; and here it differs from sanctification, which is progressive. 4. It is a complete act, and perfect in its kind ; a change of the whole man (2 Cor. v, 17). 5. It is a great and important act, both as to its author and effects (Eph. ii, 4, 5). G. It is an in- ternal act, not consisting in bare, outward forms (Ezek. xxxvi, 26, 27). 7. Visible as to its effects (1 John iii, 14). 8. Delightful (1 Pet, i, 8). 9. Necessary (John iii, 3). See Conversion ; New Birth.
Our Lord in one instance (Matt, xix, 28) uses the term regeneration for the resurrection state. Accord- ingly, Dr. Campbell translates it " the renovation," and remarks that the relation is here to the general state of things in the future world, where all things will be- come new. See New Creation; Restitution.
REGENERATION BY WATER. In our Lord's dis- course to Nicodemus (John iii) occurs this remarkable statement : "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." This coupling of water-baptism with spiritual regeneration as an essential condition to Christian privilege has oc- casioned considerable difficulty to expositors, controver- sialists, and pious inquirers. A view of the entire con- text is important as a preliminary to the just interpre- tation of this passage.