Spiritual Regeneration-Part 4 How Does Regeneration Happen?

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5 (NKJV)

We are looking at a series titled, "Regeneration." In it, we are looking at James 1:18.

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

So far we have looked at the difference between regeneration and reformation.  We have seen from this verse in James as well as others, we have been chosen by God, and of His own will He brought us forth.  We also looked at man's freewill response to God's desire, "not willing that any should perish but have everlasting life." Let's continue to answer some important questions about Spiritual Regeneration.

Q:    Why is Spiritual Regeneration so important?
A:    We need to look to the Scriptures to see Jesus answer.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 (NKJV)

When we are born again, we are now "In Christ."  And as such, we are now partakers of a New Nature - a Christ-Like Nature.  Our Heart is transformed from a "Stony Heart" into one that is soft and is sensitive to God's will for our lives.  The result can be seen in our being "Transformed" to be more like Him.

Q:    How Does Spiritual Regeneration (our being born again) Happen?

A:    By God's Word

Again, we see in James 1:18 this answer being given to us, as it says, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."

We see this stated clearly throughout the New Testament writings:

In Titus 3:5, it says, "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.  That"Washing of regeneration" is washing by the Word of Truth.  And in Ephesians 1:13 it says, "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise..."  

We see this same thing being given to Husbands in Ephesians 5.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 5:25-26 (NKJV)

The Book of Romans clearly states the Word of God is where our faith to believe comes from as well.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:14-17 (NKJV)

God, in His omniscience (All-knowing), knows our hearts - He knows when we truly believe in His Word, and His Son.  Our regeneration occurs through His sovereignty and the knowledge of our acceptance of His Word, the Gospel message, and the righteousness of Jesus.   The Word of God is very powerful, and it is able to tell the intent of our heart.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

And after His Word has cut deep within our heart and we have professed our belief in it - it continues to be profitable to us in our walk as Christian men and women.  

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, I want to encourage You today, stay in the Word - prayerfully read it daily.  Meditate upon it, asking yourself things such as, "What does this mean to me?  How does this apply to my life?  Lord, what are You telling me as I read this?"

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn with respect to God's Word by the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you reading your Bible daily?

APPLICATION: Make time to read and study the scriptures daily.  Place this as a high priority.  God will redeem the time you spend reading and your life will be richly blessed.