Dillon James
THEO202-002
Professor Ochabski
Mar. 20, 2022
Introduction
Regeneration is the change of moral character in people, going from the love of son to the
love of God. This image of salvation will address the relationship it has with sin in a biblical,
theological, and personal outline.
Doctrine According to Textbook
Erickson’s definition of regeneration is very descriptive and concise and is an easy way to look at
how regeneration works. He says, “It is not merely an amplification of present traits; for one side
of regeneration involves putting to death or crucifying existent qualities. As a putting to death of
the flesh, the new birth involves counteracting the effects of sin,” (Erickson 357). This is seen in
a biblical way in Paul’s statement in Ephesians 2:1-10. Regeneration can sometimes be mistaken
as going away from your past self and becoming a new person. It is, but in a more technical way,
it is the beginning of a new spiritual life, and a return of the old life. Erickson shows the
implications of regeneration and exclaims that, when you become a Christian, your pride is put
to the side, and you become a humbler person. Regeneration relates to human sinfulness because
it is the start of getting away from sin and becoming purer in spirit. Regeneration is a solution to
the problem of human sin because you are aware of your sin and are trying to transform and
become a better person.
Doctrine According to the Dictionary
The dictionary definition of regeneration is, “The radical spiritual change in which God
brings an individual from a condition of spiritual defeat and death to a renewed condition of
holiness and life,” (Holman Dictionary). Now obviously this will be the clearest definition, but
this definition explains regeneration the best way. The problem of sin is everywhere in our world,
and one of the ways to limit it is to convert Christians to becoming believers. In regeneration we
are told that some radical change happens, and you are born again. Without regeneration, the
unbelievers will be blinded by sin and continue to do the things that they have always done.
Regeneration gives people the chance to start fresh in a holy body and turn away from their
fleshly desires. Although regeneration is permanent, believers can still fall into sin. The biggest
relationship with the problem of sin and regeneration is the fact that you can be glorified and
made holy in a new body, but you can still slip up and go back to your old ways as sin is always
present.
Doctrine According to Commentary
According to the regeneration commentary, “Regeneration, or new birth, is an inner re-
creating of fallen human nature by the holy spirit’s gracious sovereign action,” (Evan
Dictionary). Regeneration is shown biblically when God’s work is rebuilding Israelites hearts,
writing his laws on them, and causing their owners to know, love, and obey him like never. A
regeneration can be powerful and in the Old Testament the examples of regeneration are a signal
of gods covenant with his people. Historically, regeneration was presented the wrong way to by
early church fathers. Although over time, many believers came to see regeneration as the start of
a Christians life.
Doctrine and my Chosen Vacation
The term regeneration applies to my life in a great way, and addresses the problem of sin when it
comes to my own life. I did not always have a relationship with God, and it even took me many
years to realize that he was real. After sitting in church service being away from home and
feeling sad, I was regenerated by the holy spirit, and I accepted God as my savior. Now if I said
that my life has been perfect since I would be lying to you. The beauty of regeneration is that you
will still sin, but since you are not blinded by darkness, you can correct those mistakes and live a
godlier life. It is a lifelong process that you will continue to grow in. Regeneration is a impactful
experience, but it is hard to mature into a new you because sin is always there waiting for you. I
will remember the time I got regenerated and use it in my vocation and future life to look back
on and stay disciplined with God.
Conclusion
After doing research, examining, and writing this paper, I realize more how directly impactful sin
is with regeneration. I do not mean the actual process, but the life you live after that and the
effects that sin can have on it. The amazing part is that regeneration is available for everyone, as
God does not pick favorites and welcomes all. Sin can be the controller in your life but if you
find God and are regenerated, you will have hope and purpose in a new life.
Bibliography
“Regeneration: Evangelical Dictionary of Theology - Credo Reference.” Regeneration |
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology - Credo Reference,
https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/bpgugxt/regeneration/0.
Erickson, Millard J., and L. Arnold Hustad. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Baker Publishing
Group, 2015.
“Regeneration - Holman Bible Dictionary -.” StudyLight.org,
https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hbd/r/regeneration.html.
