Regeneration

By John G. Weldon

What is this new birth? How do we receive it? Regeneration is mysterious and miraculous; it is caused neither by human effort or will. It changes people into something they were not previously. People are transformed from the inside out. This book breaks down what regeneration is and is not. Its necessity, nature, results, conclusions, and evidence are described, along with amazing examples from the lives of those who have experienced it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Ankerberg
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9781941135808

John G. Weldon

John Weldon has authored and co-authored numerous books on cults and the occult, and has master’s degrees in divinity and Christian apologetics, and doctorates in comparative religion and contemporary movements.

Book preview

REGENERATION

By Dr. John Weldon

Published by ATRI Publishing

Copyright 2024

ISBN 9781941135808

License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Copyright 2024 — All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Ankerberg Theological Research Institute.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from New American Standard Bible®, NASB, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture verses marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture verses marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

No part of this publication, including the artwork, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—except for brief quotations in printed reviews—without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Layout and Cover Design by Cathy Sims, ATRI Publishing, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Contents

Title page

Introduction

1. Definition of Regeneration

2. Its Necessity

3. Its Nature

4. Its Results

5. It’s Linked to our Union in Christ

6. The Sequential Relation of Regeneration to Faith

7. Its Logical Conclusions

8. It is evidence of eternal life

9. Regeneration and Sanctification

How to Begin a Personal Relationship with God

Notes

About the Author

Introduction

In 1752 George Whitefield wrote to Benjamin Franklin:

As I find you growing more and more famous in the world of letters I recommend to your unprejudiced study the mystery of the New Birth. It is a most important study and if mastered will abundantly repay you. I bid you, dear friend, remember that He before whose bar we must both soon appear has solemnly declared that without it we shall in no wise see His Kingdom.¹

Franklin may have heeded Whitefield’s admonition. Reportedly:

On his deathbed he asked for a picture of Christ on the cross to be placed in view.

He asked to be placed on his gravestone words that reflect an understanding of regeneration.²

1. Definition of Regeneration

Regeneration is the instantaneous sovereign act of God the Holy Spirit whereby eternal life is imparted to men, and they are transformed from the state of spiritual death to spiritual life. It involves a complete inner recreating spiritually wherein the fallen human nature of men receive new natures (how we do not know) such that in a moral and spiritual sense they now become interested in and concerned with the things of God rather than the things of the world.

A. Scripture

New Testament: He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

Old Testament: "And they