Human Development

Regeneration

Description:
Regeneration may be defined as a spiritual and psychological change occurring on reconciliation with God. It is a spiritual renewal or revival. The defilement, disorder, desolation and chaos of sin has made man unfit to live with God. Regeneration means man has been cleansed through a new creation and, by constant renewal, kept steadfast. The radical and thorough change that occurs when those previously steeped in sin enter on the Christian life can only be expressed figuratively. Scriptures refer to it as repentance (literally the turning away from the old life to the new); as becoming like a little child, depending on the Father's love; as a seed being quickened by the divine Word; of rebirth into a new world, a new atmosphere, a new environment; of becoming a new creature; of putting off old garments and putting on new; of passing from death to life; of burial and resurrection.
The change is new, it is a new person that is created. It is not just a strewing of flowers and perfume on a dead body but a vital principle is put into the heart. Another and higher will sustains one's will, subdues one's nature to itself and natural life becomes spiritual life. A new personality arises, the multitude of selves comprising the person are unified into one self. The change cannot be worked by the individual on himself, he needs the inward power of the Holy Spirit, who stands against the possession of evil spirits, the new power on earth.
Related:
Spiritual rebirth