Rev. E. Anderson
REGENERATE
This is a very important word in Christian theology and experience that aptly describes what actually occurs when they truly become a Christian. The dictionary defines it in these phrases and terms: to change fundamentally and reform the moral and spiritual nature of; to impart fresh vigour or higher life to; to generate anew, to give new existence to; to cause to be born again, to renew the heart of by the infusion of divine grace.
This is what Christ had in mind and taught to a religious ruler that came to Him for counsel and guidance. He said to this man – ‘you must be born again’ – John 3: 3,7. He was implying in his teaching that it was essential that every person must know what it is to experience a second birth, where regeneration had to take place and this would require a vital, creative work by the Holy Spirit of God. Whilst all men know what it is to have a natural birth and to live and experience the fact of this natural world not all know what it is have spiritual birth which opens life up to a new and dynamic world of understanding and reality. Spiritual birth and life gives entrance into the kingdom of God and where things natural are view from a divine perspective.
Man requires spiritual birth because without he can only considered from a mere natural and earthly perspective. He also needs divine, spiritual birth because he is dead to spiritual reality and also his nature is bound and corrupted by sin and he is unable to live the spiritual and God kind of life. All of life is tied up to the natural and he lacks the presence and life of God in his being and the reason for purposeful existence on this planet. Somehow he requires a radical and revolutionary change that can make Him God conscious and alive to spiritual realities.
How necessary it is that people see that they were made for two worlds: the natural and the spiritual! It is not one or the other but both in accord but the spiritual rules and truly aids in the interpreting and influencing of the natural to the highest and best degree. For this to happen, regeneration must take place by the grace and power of God. Each person must be created anew within and begin to view life from the divine perspective by God’s Spirit.
Christ’s advent and work in the world was in order to make this possible for all. By reason of a holy and sinless life and substitutionary death He made it possible for all men to be forgiven and cleansed from sin, the offending factor that robs man of relationship with God and the possession of divine life is dealt with. However, it is through His resurrection and His entrance by faith into the hearts of those who receive Him, that He quickens and gives new life to, the life of God which transforms the nature of man within and makes Him conscious and aware of spiritual factors. He can now freely in two worlds and enjoy both. There is a knowing of the fact that he is now a new creature – creation – 2 Corinthians 5: 17. Life in the spiritual takes over and sublimates the natural and makes it more meaningful and profitable. It is the generation of a brand new kind of life and existence.
The vital thing is for you to know this work of regeneration brought about be God in your life. As you turn to God, repent of your sin and ask Christ into your life and He will beget this new life and dynamic in your so that you will be able to say – ‘I have been born anew – again.’ When this happens you will certainly know it for life will take on true meaning and significance as God has ordained.
“Walk by new rules, towards new ends, from new principles. Make a new choice of the way. Choose new paths to walk in, new leaders to walk after, new companions to walk with. Old things should pass away, and all things become new. The man is what he was not, does what he did not” – Henry
As you have created this new nature within me, O God, may I be divinely enabled to live the new kind of life that accords with You
