Spiritual Regeneration-Part 2 Of His Will

As it is written:  "There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." Romans 3:10-12 (NKJV)

In our last devotional we looked at the difference of Regeneration vs. Reformation.  We learned that reformation was an outward restructuring of the way a person acts and behaves with hopes of changing them.  We also learned about Regeneration and how it occurs when we are changed from the inside by having Jesus come into our heart. The byproduct being a truly changed and transformed life.  

We can look at James 1:18 and learn much about Regeneration, about ourselves and about God.  Let's take a look at this important verse and break it down for some application. 

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first - fruits of His creatures. James 1:18 (NKJV)

The first thing we need to know about "Regeneration" is it means to be "Restored Spiritually."  This is important because we were all born "Spiritually dead." Romans 3:10-12 tells us about this sin nature, "There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.  They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."


When we confess our sin, repent of our wicked ways, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - we are forgiven of our sin, and we are "Regenerated" or "Restored Spiritually."  We are now"Spiritually alive!"

The thing we need to grasp here is God is the one who does this regeneration - as it says in James 1:18, "Of His own will He brought us forth..."

We are incapable of even knowing we need to change when we are in our fallen "Natural" state, separated by God. 

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV)

• God is the one who washes our sins away (Acts 22:16).
• God is the one who grants us forgiveness (Col. 2:13).
• God is the one who gives us new life (Rom. 6:4).
• God is the one who gives us a new nature (2Peter 1:4).
• God is the one who gives us the Spirit of Truth - the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).

Man loves to take credit - credit for things he has no business taking credit for - Man would like to say, "I chose Jesus Christ - that is why I am saved..." News flash from Jesus to those who want to take credit for this

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16 (NKJV)

It was Jesus who chose us!  Jesus who is Lord, and it is the same Jesus who is God.  And He did it before the foundation of the world.

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will... Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV)

• It is the same Jesus who died on the Cross of Calvary for the sins of mankind. (1Cor 15:3)
• It is the same Jesus who said, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
• It is the same Jesus who sits at the right side of God making intercession for us (Rom 8:34)
• It is the same Jesus who is coming back to collect His bride, and to eventually judge sinful man (John 14:3)
• It is the same Jesus who said, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." (Rev. 22:13).

Hey Christian, God knew you before the foundation of the World, and He knew you would say "Yes" to His offer of forgiveness.  He chose You and predestined you to be conformed to the image of His Son, and this all started with Regeneration.  It was 100% of "His" will.  Thank God He cares.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to our natural state?  What can we learn about our salvation?  What can we learn about Jesus as Lord and God?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you have biblical knowledge of who Jesus is, or are you allowing others to decide this for you?

APPLICATION: We need to know who Christ is so we can believe in the one and only Christ, and not a watered down version that false religions make Jesus to be.  He is not just a prophet; He is God in the flesh.  Take time to read the Scriptures referenced in this devotional and be ready to give a defense of anyone who asks you about Jesus.