"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to
his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of
the Holy Ghost." Titus 3:5
When true biblical salvation takes place, what the bible calls regeneration also happens. This is the work of the Holy Spirit whereby we are changed from a life of slavery to sin, so that we can serve God in truth; it also means to be turned from being dead in sin, to being alive unto God. Regeneration is a spiritual transformation that makes sin detestable to the one who has come to Jesus Christ. The absence of this detest for sin in a professor of faith is a sure evidence that true salvation has not taken place. As to the nature of this change, it consists in the implanting of a new principle or disposition or tendency in the soul: a tendency of total abhorrence of sin. This is consistent with the nature of God's life in the believer.
This is what it means to be born again (John 3:3), and to be a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Regeneration is the rebirth of our spirit man, and when it happens, it results in a change of nature: from sin to righteousness. In this rebirth, God gives us His life, and we, thereafter, live by the new life (Galatians 2:20). In regeneration, there is a transplant, spiritually speaking; when that happens, God takes away the nature of sin by which we were enslaved to it, and puts in us His own nature of righteousness. In a person who is truly regenerated, sin becomes a taboo, never a delight: this is true biblical salvation. The reverse is proof that regeneration never took place. However, it is important that this is not mistaken for sinless perfection.
Toni
When true biblical salvation takes place, what the bible calls regeneration also happens. This is the work of the Holy Spirit whereby we are changed from a life of slavery to sin, so that we can serve God in truth; it also means to be turned from being dead in sin, to being alive unto God. Regeneration is a spiritual transformation that makes sin detestable to the one who has come to Jesus Christ. The absence of this detest for sin in a professor of faith is a sure evidence that true salvation has not taken place. As to the nature of this change, it consists in the implanting of a new principle or disposition or tendency in the soul: a tendency of total abhorrence of sin. This is consistent with the nature of God's life in the believer.
This is what it means to be born again (John 3:3), and to be a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Regeneration is the rebirth of our spirit man, and when it happens, it results in a change of nature: from sin to righteousness. In this rebirth, God gives us His life, and we, thereafter, live by the new life (Galatians 2:20). In regeneration, there is a transplant, spiritually speaking; when that happens, God takes away the nature of sin by which we were enslaved to it, and puts in us His own nature of righteousness. In a person who is truly regenerated, sin becomes a taboo, never a delight: this is true biblical salvation. The reverse is proof that regeneration never took place. However, it is important that this is not mistaken for sinless perfection.
Toni
