Understanding Regeneration

[1watchman]

AN UNDERSTANDING OF REGENERATION
"...He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" - Titus 3:5.
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The Bible reference translated as "Regeneration" from the Greek word means "spiritual renovation" ---i.e. new order & Messianic restoration, as a Bible scholar stated. It is acknowledging that Jesus Christ is the coming hope of the world. To Israel it spoke of the fulfillment of their hope as a people of God for their Messiah ---though most of them continue to reject Him. The washing stated here is a stand in the truth of that and as shown forth in baptism, which is an expression of the acknowledgment of Christ and His way; and showing death to the flesh and a desire to live unto Christ (“Kingdom of Heaven”). It is all about honor and sincere following after Christ (see the papers on baptism).

We sometimes speak of "unregenerate man" (meaning those that care not for Christ). In Titus 3:5 regeneration is profession by man which is a good beginning through baptism. As stated above it only speaks of Messianic hope in Christ and sincere confession of Him (a quickening---arousal). A professor accepts the truth of Christ as man's redeemer and stands on that by water immersion ( an overwhelming).

“Renewing of the Holy Ghost” speaks of the “Kingdom of God” (more than just profession, and is a new birth for true believers in Christ --John 3). In Titus 3:5, both the acknowledgement of Christ by baptism and the new birth by the Holy Spirit, together shows the thought there of what God has provided for us. He saves the sinners by their confession and posession of the Christ of God (Rom. 10:9), and then the sealing of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. We can then praise Him for we are thus made alive unto God.

It is important that a professor of Christ shows evidence of the Holy Spirit before being received as a saint of God; that is being truly devoted to Christ, rather than just a profession of His Name and teachings.
- R. DeWitt, 2016

 

[NJA]

When were the disciples regenerated?

 

[afishamongmany]

Hello watchman,
It's interesting and helps our understanding of this verse to know that each one of the three key words - washing – regeneration – renewing are only used one other time in the New Testament.

Washing – in Ephesians 5:26 referring to Christ cleansing and sanctifying his Church by the water of his word.

Regeneration – in Matthew 19:28 when The Lord speaks of his coming kingdom on earth.

Renewing - in Romans 12:2 where Paul says that our transformation (sanctification) is brought about (at least in an important measure) by the renewing of our minds.

I take Titus 3:5 to be coupling the salvation event – renewing of the Holy Spirit, with the salvation process (both before and after the event) – the washing of regeneration, emphasizing that all this is God's work not our works.

For me though the best bit of the verse is 'He has saved us', Halleluia!

Go well,
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[afishamongmany]

When were the disciples regenerated?

Hi NJA,
I would say at 'the day of Pentecost' as in Acts 2:1. Do you have another view?
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[NJA]

Hi NJA,
I would say at 'the day of Pentecost' as in Acts 2:1. Do you have another view?
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No, I agree!
That's where they received the Spirit and just as a baby cries so they cried spiritually as they spoke in tongues.

Problems with Romans 10:9 / confession = salvation ideas is
1) that was laet in a letter written tyo the church at Rome, who's faith was already spoken of througfhout the World - was he telling them how to be saved?
No!
He's saying that now they have rec eived the Spirit they can truly believe in (rely on, adhere to) and confess (homo-logos, speak the same word as) Jesus, becuase now they can understand him!

2) it was never presented to people seeking salvation in Acts.