The Work of The Holy Spirit: Regeneration and Sanctification
De’Borah J. Fontenot
PACO 501 Foundational Doctrines for Pastoral Counselors
June 2024
ii
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
Biblical/Exegetical Studies Supporting the Work of The Holy Spirit: Regeneration and
Sanctification ................................................................................................................................. 1
The Meaning of Regeneration ............................................................................................ 1
The Effect of Regeneration ................................................................................................. 3
The Meaning of Sanctification ............................................................................................ 4
The Nature of Sanctification ............................................................................................... 5
Theological Implications of The Holy Spirit: Regeneration and Sanctification for Pastoral
Counseling ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Aiding the Pastoral Counselor ............................................................................................ 7
Helping the Counselee ........................................................................................................ 8
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ 10
1
Introduction
Being knowledgeable about the personal work of the Holy Spirit in the counseling
process will enable pastoral counselors to depend more on God for the success in their work. It
will also encourage them to continue to place their faith and trust in the Holy Spirit when their
counsel appears to result in failure. The pastoral counselor needs to have full confidence in the
omniscient power of God the Holy Spirit to direct his/her communication with the counselee.
1
This paper will discuss the meaning and effect of regeneration, as well as the meaning and nature
of sanctification in the life of a believer. The pastoral counselor needs to be fully equipped to
serve God (and be an effective biblical counselor). It is imperative that the pastoral counselor
understand the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification to aid those who are
broken by sin or the sin of others.
Biblical/Exegetical Studies Supporting the Work of The Holy Spirit: Regeneration and
Sanctification
The Meaning of Regeneration
Charles Ryrie notes in his book, The Holy Spirit, “Biblically, the word regeneration is
used only twice in the New Testament – Matt. 19:28 and Titus 3:5.”
2
It has been “appropriated as
a general term designating the impartation of eternal life,” according to John Walvoord.
3
Only in
Titus 3:5 reference is made to the “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
1
Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 179.
2
Charles Ryrie, The Holy Spirit (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1997), 89.
3
John Walvoord, The Holy Spirit (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978), 128.
2
Spirit.”
4
Palingenesias is the Greek word properly translated, new birth, reproduction, renewal,
and re-creation. Regeneration applies to humans as well as to the renewed heaven and earth of
the millennium.
5
In Matthew 19:28 Jesus speaking to his twelve apostles states, “… Verily I say
onto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in
the throne of his glory; ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel”
(KJV).
The various expressions used in regard to eternal life in relation to the nature of man,
includes: new birth, new life, new creation, new mind, spiritual resurrection, sons of God, “made
alive,” and translation into the kingdom. Regeneration consists of all things that are represented
by eternal life and mankind.
6
Walvoord contends that, “The word regeneration as used by
theologians has confused the biblical meaning.”
7
Other words have been included in the concept
of regeneration (i.e. conversion, sanctification, and justification). Not only justification and
sanctification, but also glorification have been included by Roman Catholic theologians
regarding regeneration.
8
The meaning of regeneration by protestant theologians have been more
cautious. Early theologians used regeneration to include, “the whole process by which a sinner
passed from his lost estate into salvation, including justification.”
9
Conversion was commonly used as a synonym for regeneration during the seventeenth
century. However, an important detail was ignored; the fact that “conversion is the human act
4
Ibid.
5
Ibid.
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid.
8
Ibid., 128-129.
9
Ibid., 129.
3
and regeneration is an act of God.”
10
Although conversion is usually related to regeneration, it is
not always the case. In connection with Peter’s repentance and restoration in Luke 22:32, this
fact is demonstrated.
11
Jesus, speaking to Peter states, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith
fail not: and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren.” The Holy Spirit’s activity is
essential in conversion (the beginning of the believer’s life from the human perspective) and in
regeneration (the beginning from God’s perspective). Through the Spirit’s activity in conversion
and regeneration, an individual is initiated into the Christian life. Regeneration is essential to
acceptance by the Father (Jesus made this truth clear to Nicodemus in John 3:3, 5-6). It
miraculously transforms the individual and is a supernatural occurrence that the Holy Spirit
produces.
12
There are numerous Scriptures that bear on the subject of regeneration. (John 1:13;
3:3-7; 5:21; Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:5, 10; 4:24; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; 1
Peter 2:9).
The Effect of Regeneration
Walvoord points out, “The effect of regeneration is summed up in the fact of possession of
eternal life. All of the results of regeneration are actually enlargement of the fact of eternal
life.”
13
In its application, the work of regeneration is tremendous. Eternal life, which
characterizes the being of God, is imparted to a soul that was once dead. Certain qualities belong
to the individual who is regenerated (in virtue of the fact that eternal life abides). Eternal life
involves the creation of a divine nature in the regenerated individual. The new nature constitutes
10
Ibid.
11
Ibid.
12
Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015), 307.
13
Walvoord, The Holy Spirit, 135.
4
a fundamental change in the individual; it has in it a longing for God and his will.
14
2 Corinthians
5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new” (see also Galatians 6:15). The “new man” is spoken of
in Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.” In one who has received the new nature, a drastic change in attitude toward
God (and the things of God) in manner of life, and in the desires of the human heart may be
expected. Walvoord further maintains, “The new nature provides a will to do the will of God,
and the power of God provides the enablement to accomplish this end in spite of the innate
sinfulness of the sin nature.”
15
The Meaning of Sanctification
The beginnings of salvation are both profound and complex. However, they are not the
end of the special work of God to restore his people to his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).
Having begun his work of transforming mankind, God continues and completes it. Sanctification
is a continuation of what began in regeneration (conferring on and instilling within the Christian,
newness of life). The work done by Christ is applied by the Holy Spirit to the life of a
Christian.
16
Erickson points out that, “Sanctification is a process brought into conformity with
one’s legal status before God.”
17
Throughout one’s Christian walk, the Spirit of God is at work sanctifying. The progressive
work of sanctification is wrought by the Holy Spirit. Edward Bickersteth in quoting Owen says,
14
Ibid., 136.
15
Ibid. 136.
16
Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 374.
17
Ibid.
5
“Sanctification is an immediate work of the Spirit of God on the souls of believers, purifying and
cleansing their natures from the pollution and uncleanness of sin, renewing in them the image of
God, and thereby enabling them, from a spiritual and habitual principle of grace, to yield
obedience unto God… by virtue of the life and death of Jesus Christ.”
18
Sanctification is a progressive work; begun at once and gradually carried on. One
individual may be more holy and more sanctified than another individual who is truly holy and
truly sanctified. Even though it is true that those who are in Christ are perfectly justified, it is not
true that they are perfectly sanctified.
19
2 Peter 3:17-18 admonishes, “… beware lest ye also,
being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” Owen further explains,
“Sanctification… is the immediate work of God by his Spirit upon our whole nature, proceeding
from the peace made for us by Jesus Christ, whereby being changed into his likeness, we are
kept entirely in peace with God, and are preserved unblamable, or in a state of gracious
acceptance with him to the end.”
20
The Nature of Sanctification
It is helpful to bring the nature of sanctification more sharply into focus by contrasting it
with justification. There are significant differences; particularly, one pertaining to duration.
21
As
18
Edward Henry Bickersteth, The Holy Spirit His Person and Work (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel
Publications, 1959), 140.
19
Ibid., 141.
20
John Owen, The Holy Spirit (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1973), 221.
21
Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 374.
6
noted by Erickson, “Justification is an instantaneous occurrence, complete in a moment, whereas
sanctification is a process requiring an entire lifetime for completion.”
22
In sanctification, there is a progressive and orderly advancement towards perfection (2
Corinthians 3:18). The progressive renovation embraces the person’s whole being (body, soul,
and spirit) and one’s life before God and among other people (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
23
It
includes the following:
24
1. an ever deepening knowledge of the things of God
2. a growing delight in the heavenly duties of prayer and praise
3. a more vigorous faith in the salvation of Christ
4. a more entire submission of our will to God’s will
5. a more resolute crucifying of the flesh and a more earnest cultivation of the fruits of
the Spirit
6. a readier willingness to serve and suffer for our Master
7. a brighter prospect of reigning and rejoicing with him forever
During the lifetime of a believer, the growth process is never completed. An individual’s
life should be examined if there is not continual spiritual growth. There is never a time when
Christians can say there is no need for further spiritual growth. Though sinless perfection is not
taught in the Word of God, the fact that perfection cannot be attained should not make Christians
be content with an average attainment in spirituality. Instead, believers should continue to press
on to higher and higher levels of spiritual experience (Philippians 3:10-14).
25
Other Scripture on
sanctification include: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews
2:10-11; and 1 Peter 1:2.
22
Ibid.
23
Bickersteth, The Holy Spirit His Person and Work, 143.
24
Ibid.
25
Wick Broomall, The Holy Spirit (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978), 146.
7
Theological Implications of The Holy Spirit: Regeneration and Sanctification for Pastoral
Counseling
Aiding the Pastoral Counselor
According to Lambert, “Counseling is a theological discipline.”
26
So many people do not
realize the theological nature of counseling. Most people believe that theology is what ministers
study in seminary in order to prepare to go on the mission field, or lead a church and preach a
sermon. Many believe that counseling happens in the realm of psychology; not understanding
that theology has an important role to play in helping individuals with their counseling
problems.
27
Being knowledgeable and well-informed about the importance of the doctrine of the
Holy Spirit will aid the pastoral counselor personally, as well as in his/her counseling ministry.
The study of the Holy Spirit is of special significance for any believer (particularly the
pastoral counselor) for several reasons. First, the Trinity becomes personal to the Christian by
way of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the specific person of the Trinity in whom the entire
Triune Godhead currently works in believers. Secondly, the study of the Holy Spirit is extremely
important due to the fact that in these times, the Holy Spirit’s work is more prominent than the
other members of the Trinity.
28
Erickson asserts that, “A third reason for the importance of the
doctrine of the Holy Spirit is that in a culture that stresses the experiential, it is primarily through
the Holy Spirit’s work that we feel God’s presence within and the Christian life is given a special
tangibility.”
29
26
Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, 11.
27
Ibid.
28
Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 296.
29
Ibid., 296–297.
8
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit’s ministry of teaching can greatly aid the pastoral counselor.
John 16:13 declares, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth,” and John 14:26 says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring back all things to your
remembrance…” The Holy Spirit’s ministry of illumination was not just for the generation of
disciples that walked with Jesus, but also includes assisting pastoral counselors today in
understanding the Word of God.
30
Helping the Counselee
Additionally, the Holy Spirit can also be instrumental in helping the counselee to obey
God’s will for their life. Lambert notes, “If the indwelling Spirit served only as a teacher to open
our eyes to God’s truth, we would be in a pitiful condition. It is one thing to understand what we
are to do. It is quite another to possess the power to do it.”
31
Obedience to Jesus Christ is not optional; instead, it is the evidence for one’s love for him.
Because obedience to Jesus is so hard (impossible to do in one’s own strength) he promises a
Helper in that obedience.
32
In John 14:23 Jesus proclaims, “… If a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
Biblical counselors want individuals to grow in their love and obedience to Jesus Christ, and also
to grow in obeying God’s command to love him and others. Moreover, to speak more kindly,
listen more intently, seek reconciliation with others, grant forgiveness, pray, attend church, read
their Bible, and so many other things. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit gives counselees the
30
Ibid., 308.
31
Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, 169.
32
Ibid.
9
confidence that all these things (and even more!) are possible through the person and work of the
Holy Spirit, who empowers them to know Christ and obey him.
33
Conclusion
In review, regeneration is, “the whole process by which a sinner passes from his lost
estate into salvation, including justification.”
34
Whereas sanctification is, “a continuation of what
began in regeneration (conferring on and instilling within the Christian, newness of life). The
work done by Christ is applied by the Holy Spirit to the life of a Christian.”
35
The knowledge of
the significance and implications of the work of the Holy Spirit: regeneration and sanctification
is essential for pastoral counselors to be fully equipped to serve God and be effective biblical
counselors. The Holy Spirit’s ministry of teaching can greatly aid the pastoral counselor. He can
also be instrumental in helping the counselee to obey God’s will for their life. In God’s endeavor
to restore his image to his people, pastoral counselors can be instruments used by God to
communicate his purpose and will for the lives of their counselees. Further, being knowledgeable
about the personal work of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process will enable counselors to
depend more on God for the success of their work. Through understanding the work of the Spirit,
the pastoral counselor will gain full confidence in the omniscient power of God to direct his or
her communication with the counselee.
36
Finally, as pastoral counselors progress in their
understanding of the various works of the Holy Spirit, they will be successful in aiding in the
restoration of many souls that are broken by sin or the sin of others.
33
Ibid., 172.
34
Walvoord, The Holy Spirit, 129.
35
Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 374.
36
Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling, 179.
10
Bibliography
Bickersteth, Edward Henry. The Holy Spirit His Person and Work. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel
Publications, 1959.
Broomall, Wick. The Holy Spirit. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1963.
Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015.
Lambert, Heath. A Theology of Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.
Owen, John. The Holy Spirit. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1973.
Ryrie, Charles C. The Holy Spirit. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1997.
Walvoord, John F. The Holy Spirit. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.
