REGENERATIONŠ
Regeneration, according to the Word of God, is a time at which
the regenerative power of the Spirit of God comes into a persons heart and gives new birth to their spirit with the seed of
the Word of God. 1 Peter 1:23, Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which
liveth and abideth forever.
In
the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God. They had communion with God until their fall. God said that in the day they
ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they would die. Genesis 2:17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Yet, in their natural lives,
they lived on for several hundred years. The Bible indicates it was a spiritual death.
Genesis 3:7, And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together,
and made themselves aprons.
When
the spirit of man died, it cut off communion with God. John 4:24, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship
him in spirit and in truth. They were judged by God and driven out of the garden. Genesis, Chapter 3 As a result, spiritual
death passed unto all mankind. Romans 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so
death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
God said in that same chapter of Genesis that the seed of the woman would
bruise the serpents head. Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed;
it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The serpent being Satan, deceived man to fall. The seed of the woman
is a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:16, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not,
And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Jesus Christ is the last Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:45,
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. He was sent from
God the Father. John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. He came to the earth to give His life a ransom for the sins of the world and
reverse the Adamic curse. Romans 5:17, For if by one mans offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance
of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ, and 1 Timothy 2:6, Who gave himself a
ransom for all, to be testified in due time. He bridged the gap between God and man. For there is one God, and one mediator
between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5.
BEING BORN AGAIN
The regenerative power of the Holy Spirit consummates the born again experience when
one accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When an individual believes in their heart that God raised Jesus from the
dead and confesses with their mouth that He is The Lord, Romans 10:9-10, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, they are acknowledging the fact that Jesus
paid the death penalty for their sins. For the wages of sin is death, but the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:23. When one has accepted the shed blood of Christ for
their sins and has put their faith or trust in the blood, Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God,
they are made clean and whole, washed completely of all sin. If we come to the light and expose ourselves and allow God to
bring resurrection life to us then we can become the new creature that God has made us, on the inside. Scriptures teach that
life is in the blood, and in the blood of Christ is His very life. This is a scientific fact as well, when we consider that
ones make-up and everything they are in the natural is contained in the DNA of their blood cells. John 6:53, Then Jesus said
unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life
in you, and 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
This
makes a way for God to come into a persons heart and regenerate their spirit. For God is a Holy God and cannot dwell in sin.
Therefore, Jesus Christ makes a way for the sinner to become born again.
In
John, Chapter 3, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus and says in verse 7, Marvel not that I say unto thee, ye must be born again.
If Jesus said that we must be born again, then we must be born again. Jesus said to Nicodemus that a man cannot see the Kingdom
of God, verse 3, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot
see the kingdom of God, or enter into the Kingdom of God, verse 5, Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God, unless he is born again. The phrase born
again comes from two Greek words, gennao and anothen, meaning born from above. When a man or woman accepts the shed blood
of Christ and the fact that Jesus Christ gave His life for their life and they believe that He saved them, the moment they
release their faith in this fact, the Spirit of God comes into their heart and makes them born from above. Old things are
passed away and all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Once
one has been regenerated, by the incorruptible seed of the Word of God through the operation of the Holy Spirit, they become
a new creation in Christ and as we have indicated, old things are passed away and all things have become new. The tense of
that scripture says it all have become new. It is up to us to begin to have a good confession of faith in the fact that we
are now new creations in Christ and not be moved by that which we see in our lives that would contradict what we would think
would be Christ-like. Peter wrote about divine nature. The result of being born
again is the fact that we no longer have to try to become Christ-like through outward rules of the old law, but through a
new covenant with God, Philemon 1:6, That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every
good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus, we have been made partakers of the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4, Whereby are given
unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the
corruption that is in the world through lust. And even as we were sinners by nature or that is to say, failures, missing the
mark, and no one had to teach us how to sin, even so, by a new and living way, we can walk in the newness of life as natural
and simple as one would breathe the air.
WATER BAPTISM
We are commanded by Christ to be baptized in water. Mark 16:16, He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Water baptism is an outward profession of faith. 1
Peter 3:21, The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So you see in this scripture it is a
confession of your inward death, burial and resurrection in Christ. In it, we are portraying the fact that Jesus Christ took
our sins upon Him and in Him we were crucified. In Him we died and in Him we are resurrected to walk in the newness of life.
Romans 6:4, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. It is through this sacrament that our faith is fortified
and completely released. It has no other significance other than that it portrays the actual experience of being born again
and baptized by the Spirit of God into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:13, For by one Spirit
are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink
into one Spirit, with an operation not made by human hands, Colossians 2:11-15, In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ :Buried with him in baptism,
wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you,
being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the
way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over
them in it. The word baptism in the New Testament comes from the Greek word baptizo and it means to dip or immerse.
Total
emersion is the proper New Testament procedure for baptism after one believes, Mark 16:16, He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned, and symbolizes being buried with Christ in His death. In essence,
we are saying we believe the old man of sin is dead and we are going to walk a new walk of victory through the resurrection
power of the Holy Spirit.
BORN TWICE
Jesus said that we must be born of water and of spirit. John 3:5, Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
In other words, once youve been born naturally by water, then you must be born spiritually in order to see and enter into
the Kingdom of God. At the end of this natural life, every human being will face life or death in eternity. Eternal life or
eternal death! If you are born twice, you will die once, meaning you will have natural death and then eternal life. If you
are born once, you will die twice. You experience natural death and then have to face eternal death. Revelation 20:13-15,
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were
judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And
whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
ACCEPTING CHRIST
If you have not accepted
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior by asking Him into your heart through the person of the Holy Spirit, it would be wisdom
on your part to do so upon the reading of this lesson. This is done by confessing with your mouth that He is the Lord and
believing in your heart that He was raised from the dead. Romans 10:9-10, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Simply pray from your heart:
Father
in heaven, I know that I have sinned and need to be born again. I offer you my
life and ask for cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ. I confess Jesus Christ as Lord and I believe in my heart that
He willingly died for my sins and was raised from the dead on the third day. Holy Spirit, I ask you to come into my heart
and make me born anew. Thank you Father for doing it through the person of the Holy Spirit, In Jesus name. Amen.
MAINTAINING YOUR WALK
If
one were to purchase a new automobile, you would find within the confines of the automobiles handbook, a maintenance plan
designed to keep the vehicle at an optimum performance level. Likewise, there
is a simple maintenance plan that can be found within the handbook of life (Gods word)! The maintenance plan of which I am
referring to is a plan that has been designed to maintain your right relationship with God and the body of Christ. It is also
designed to keep you at a level of clear awareness to produce a steady supply of hope, joy, peace and prosperity that the
world cannot give, nor take away. John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give
I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
THE MAINTENANCE PLAN
(A) Get into a local, Spirit-filled, Word church Acts 2:1-4, And when the day of Pentecost
was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty
wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and
it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance.
It
doesnt have to be glorious in the external sense. It does not have to have a large number of members, but it should be a place
where, within your heart, you sense God would have you to be. You could even be meeting with believers in someones home. A
place wherein its members have a heart and longing for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and display fervency of spirit
in prayer and the study of the Word of God.
There are so many influences today by peers in the world to entice and meeting with a good fellowship of believers on
a regular weekly basis will counter the influence of people around us who would rather serve this worlds system. James 4:4,
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will
be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Consider, as an example, a cluster of charcoals. When lit and packed closely,
they burn with fervent heat. If you were to separate one from the rest, all alone, its fire would soon diminish and die. The
fire of the believer is likewise. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Consider also a flock of sheep
grazing. The wolf (devil) coyly observes from the hillside, waiting to see which one will separate itself from the rest of
the flock and make his job easy. If none do through self-will and self-assurance, he is likely to attempt to divide and separate
the sheep (scatter them) so as to capture one of them! Remember well the admonition of the Apostle Paul not to forsake the
assembling of yourselves together. Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(B) A daily devotional time It is also imperative that the Christian be armed with prayer
on a daily basis. Ephesians 6:18, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with
all perseverance and supplication for all saints. He or she must learn to begin their day with a time of prayer, meditative
thought and scripture reading. This helps to awaken the spirit and set straight the days path. It does not have to be a long,
ritualistic procedure with the thought of pleasing God in doing so, but rather consistency is the key, accompanied by the
awareness that one is keeping themselves in tune with the Holy Spirit.
A
portion of time for prayer concerning the matters of the day, a portion of time for scripture reading and a portion of time
for meditative thought may be accomplished in anywhere from five minutes to a half-hours time. The results will last an entire
day.
A
word to the wise would be to repeat this procedure at mid-day and especially prior to retiring for the night. Daniel 6:10,
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward
Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Consider
it to be to your spirit what showering; washing your hair and brushing your teeth are to your body. How much more important
to you is your eternal spirit in comparison with your temporal body? Your spirit is the candle of the Lord, Proverbs 20:27,
The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly, and when you learn to keep it, it
will pervade all dimensions of living with its powerful, positive influence. A devotional time should also be conducted collectively
with brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Acts 1:14, These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,
with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. When it is practiced with our friends in the church,
it will fill many needs that are otherwise filled with an overdose of secular activity.
(C) Speaking and thinking good things Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brethren, whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those
things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Filthy
communications corrupt good manners Ephesians 4:22, That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. The things we say and think are going to effect the way we and others around
us believe and in order for the believer to nurture their faith, a profession or confession of faith will have to be practiced.
Hebrews 10:23, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. The things
we say are the things we hear and the things we hear fortify the seeds within us. A clear, scriptural key to maintaining a
spirit-filled, faith-activated experience is that of speaking to God, ourselves and others in spiritual songs, concepts of
truth, things that are good, pure and lovely. Ephesians 5:19, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. We must also learn to acknowledge with our thoughts all of these things.
2 Corinthians 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, and Psalms 1:2, But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night. We should see Christ in the believers around us and think on virtuous things
and recognize our place in Christ as kings and priests. 1 Peter 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an
holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light, and Revelation 5:10, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth.
(D) Sharing your faith. This will stimulate your spiritual experience beyond any of the
aforementioned maintenance guides. It is your chance to put your faith into action! All of the guidelines set forth in this
maintenance plan will gender dynamism, charisma and stability, but witnessing will produce an experience unique only to itself.
The Word of God says that there is joy in the presence of Gods holy angels when one sinner comes to repentance. Luke 15:10,
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. When you share
the gospel with someone and are able to lead them to the living waters you have found in Christ, it is one of the most exciting,
satisfying experiences you will encounter in your walk with Christ. It is the prime objective, the great commission that Christ
called us to. Mark 16:15, And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He said
to go out into the highways and by-ways and compel them to come in. Luke 14:23, And the lord said unto the servant, Go out
into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. If we do not, who will?
Witnessing
or sharing your faith should never be rooted in guilt, but rather in joy, a fervency of the great experience that you have
had. It is simple and easy and the Spirit of the Lord will give you the words to say even though, in your logical mind, you
do not think that you would know what to say. Remember, the scriptures say, the person that wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30,
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
REGENERATION
Question and Answer Section
Q. Before a man or woman is born again, why do they experience
emptiness inside of their heart?
A. Because man was
created in the image of God, Genesis 1:26, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, to worship Him and to commune with Him, and without the life of God in ones spirit,
life becomes meaningless and empty, only to be sustained by material things and goals. Unless an individual becomes born again
of the Spirit of God, through the shed blood of Christ, they will never find their true meaning and purpose in life. 1 Peter
1:24, For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof
falleth away, and 2 Peter 1:10, Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for
if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.
Q.
What is meant by the term born again?
A. When we are born
naturally, from our mothers womb, we are born in Adam, the first man. We inherit his fallen nature and the death penalty placed
upon all mankind. 1 Corinthians 15:22, For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. We are alive physically,
but we are not alive spiritually. Therefore, when one is born again, they are born of the Spirit of God in their spirit. There
is no need to be born again in the natural since we are already born naturally. The born again experience takes place in the
human spirit and the mind is renewed by learning the Word of God. Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Q.
If I am not born again, can I see the Kingdom of God?
A.
No. Jesus said that unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God. John 3:3, Jesus answered and said unto him,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Paul said, Therefore if any
man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
One will see things in a different light when they are born again. They see behind
the surface of the activity of this world.
Q.
Is it possible to worship God without being born again?
A.
No. The Word of God says, God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24. Unless
the spirit of man or woman is born again, they will not be able to worship God in spirit and in truth. Romans 8:26, Likewise
the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Q.
Would it be possible to enter into the Kingdom of God without being born again?
A.
It is not possible to enter into the Kingdom of God without being born again because God is a Holy God and in heaven there
is no sin. Nothing sinful will be permitted into the presence of God. One is cleansed by the blood of Christ when they are
born again and become worthy (justified - Romans 5:1, 9, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ, much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him), to enter
into the Kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made
the righteousness of God in Him.
Q.
When do we begin to enter into the Kingdom of God?
A.
We begin to enter into the Kingdom of God the moment we are born again. Everything becomes new and old things are passed away.
Therefore, Kingdom principles for Kingdom living must be applied. Jesus said that we shall receive an hundredfold now in this
life and in the life to come. Mark 10:30, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and
sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Q.
Why did Christ give His life for the sins of the world?
A.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life, John 3:16. God, in His infinite mercy, provided a way in which mankind, if he so chooses, can be saved.
Q.
On what basis is an individual born again?
A.
On the basis of faith alone in the sacrifice of Christ. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 It is based merely on faith and not by feelings.
If one does not feel born again, it is meaningless to use that as a criteria for judging whether you are born again or not.
It is through faith in Christ that the born again experience will take place.
Q.
Do religious obligations help one to become born again?
A.
No, on the contrary. An endeavor to acquire the indwelling Spirit through religious activities will have an opposite effect.
Galatians 3:2, This only would I learn of you, received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
The indwelling of the Spirit comes by faith alone. Any other way of trying to obtain the infilling of the Spirit is a waste
of time and energy. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Q.
What is the primary reason that God wants man to be born again?
A.
The primary reason for being born again is to restore the relationship between God and man and to give man back the security
of knowing his Creator and that he is loved by Him. John 14:23, Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will
keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. It is so you can have
life and communion with God and fellowship with Him. To walk with Him and talk with Him openly, freely and to know His love
is beyond any other experience known to mankind.
Q.
How important is it for me to go to church regularly and on time?
A.
Consider yourself as having a spiritual gas tank within you that needs to be filled regularly with the living waters of Christ.
John 4:10, Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to
drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. It is true that we can obtain a spiritual
supply anywhere at any time, but remember, when two or three are gathered in His name, there is a special anointing of the
Holy Spirit that presides. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst
of them.
Q.
Could I do all of my praying for the entire week if I pray several hours for one day?
A.
The key to keeping a consistent, power-filled walk with Christ is better maintained by a segmented, regular, daily devotional
time. Similarly a tripod stand, with three small legs firmly placed, is more stable and sturdy than a single larger leg by
itself. Ecclesiastes 4:12, And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
REGENERATION
Study Guide
1.
The born again experience is a time at which the _____________________ power
of the Spirit of God comes into a persons heart.
2. Adam and Eve had _________________
with God until their fall.
3.
Adam and Eve did not die naturally, but died in their _____________ and communion with God was cut off.
4.
Jesus was sent from God the Father and came to give His life a _________________________ for the sins of the world.
5.
When one accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the _____________________ power of the Holy Spirit consummates
the born again experience.
6.
One is made clean and completely washed of all sin when they put their faith and trust in the ___________________.
7. God
is a Holy God and cannot dwell in ___________________.
8.
The phrase born again comes from two Greek words, __________________ and__________________________.
9.
Total _________________________ is the proper New Testament procedure for baptism.
10.
As a burning coal, likewise is the ________________ ____________ of the believer.
11.
Daily devotional helps awaken the spirit and set ____________________ the days path.
12.
The things we say and think are going to effect the way we and others around us _______________________.
13.
Sharing your faith will produce an experience ______________________ only to itself.
14.
Without the life of God in ones spirit, life becomes ________________________ and _________________.
15.
When born naturally, we inherit the fallen nature and ___________ _____________ penalty placed upon all mankind.
16.
According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, one will see things in a ______________ _____________ when they are born again.
17.
God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in _______________ and in truth.
18.
An individual is born again on the basis of ____________________ alone in the sacrifice of Christ.
19.
Being born again restores the ______________________________ between God and man and gives him back the ________________________
of knowing his Creator and that he is loved by Him.
