LESSON 19
Regeneration
1. What are the steps in the order of salvation?
Regeneration, calling, faith, justification, sanctification,
2. How is this salvation worked in the elect sinner?
Christ, who is the fullness of our salvation, works it efficaciously by His Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4, 5
3. What is the first work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the elect sinner?
The work of regeneration, John 3:3: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4. What is regeneration?
It is that work of the Spirit whereby He implants the new life of Christ in the heart of the sinner. Ephesians 2:1; Ezekiel 36:26, 27;John 3:8
5. Is there more than one sense in which Scripture speaks of regeneration?
Yes, Scripture speaks of regeneration in a narrower and a broader sense.
6. What is regeneration in the narrower sense?
It is the first implanting of Christ’s life in the heart of the totally depraved sinner. I Peter 1:23
7. What is regeneration in the broader sense?
It is equal to conversion and is that act of God whereby He enlightens the mind, softens the will, and brings the sinner to repentance. I Peter 1:3
8. What is conversion?
It is the mortification of the old man of sin and the quickening of the new man in Christ, whereby a sinner turns from his wicked way and towards God. Colossians 3:5
9. What is the fruit of conversion?
A thankful walk in obedience to God for the salvation which is ours through faith in Christ. II Corinthians 7:10
10. Does the sinner cooperate in his own regeneration?
Not at all; it is the work of the Holy Spirit alone. Acts 16:14
EXTRA WORK
1. Explain the difference between mediate and immediate regeneration(see H. Hoeksema’s Reformed Dogmatics [1966, p. 455; 2005 vol. 2,pp. 29, 295).
2. Look up Reformed Dogmatics (1966, pp. 461, 462; 2005 vol. 2, p.38), and write what five things are listed there concerning regeneration.
3. Look up Canons III/IV, 11-13 and describe what this confession has to say about the work of regeneration.
4. What does Titus 3:5 have to say about regeneration?