REGENERATION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Titus 3:5 (NIV)
"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Supporting Texts: John 3:3-5, Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, Galatians 2:20
INTRODUCTION
A man once bought an old, broken-down house in a deserted area. The walls were cracked, the roof was leaking, and the foundation was weak. Many people told him to demolish it and build a new one, but instead, he decided to renovate it. He brought in engineers, repaired the foundation, replaced the old walls, and transformed the house into something new and beautiful.
This is what God does in our lives through regeneration. We were broken, sinful, and spiritually dead, but through Jesus Christ, God makes us new.
Regeneration is the spiritual rebirth of a person by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not just about improving the old life; it is about receiving a completely new nature in Christ.
Let us explore the power of regeneration and how God transforms us into new creations.
1. REGENERATION IS A WORK OF GOD, NOT MAN
A wealthy man once met a beggar on the street. The beggar was filthy, covered in rags, and hungry. The wealthy man took him to his home, gave him a bath, clean clothes, and a warm meal. But after some time, the beggar returned to his old rags and lifestyle.
Many people try to change themselves through self-effort, but true transformation comes only from God.
Titus 3:5 tells us:
"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Regeneration is not about our works or goodness—it is a work of God’s mercy and grace.
No amount of religion, morality, or self-discipline can regenerate a person.
Only God can give us a new heart and spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Have you experienced this divine transformation?
2. REGENERATION BRINGS A NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST
A caterpillar crawls slowly on the ground, but when it undergoes metamorphosis, it transforms into a butterfly and flies. It no longer behaves like a caterpillar because it has a new nature.
The same happens when a person is regenerated by Christ. They receive a new identity and can no longer live in their old sinful ways.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
When you are regenerated, you are no longer defined by your past mistakes.
Your identity is no longer in sin but in righteousness through Christ.
You do not just get a new chance; you get a new life.
Just as a butterfly cannot return to being a caterpillar, you cannot return to your old life when you are truly regenerated in Christ.
3. REGENERATION IS A SPIRITUAL REBIRTH
One night, Nicodemus, a respected Jewish teacher, came to Jesus. He was confused about salvation and wanted to understand the kingdom of God. Jesus told him:
John 3:3 – “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Nicodemus was puzzled. "How can a man be born again when he is old?" he asked.
Jesus explained that this new birth is not physical but spiritual. It is a transformation that happens inside a person when they believe in Jesus.
Regeneration is not about turning over a new leaf—it is about receiving a new life.
It is not about fixing the old nature—it is about receiving a divine nature.
This spiritual rebirth happens through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Have you been born again?
4. REGENERATION LEADS TO A RENEWED MIND AND LIFE
A man once had a very dirty cup. No matter how much he washed the outside, it was still dirty inside. Then, one day, he realised that he had to wash it from the inside out for it to truly be clean.
This is what happens in regeneration. God cleanses us from the inside, renewing our minds and transforming our lives.
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
When we are regenerated, our thoughts, desires, and actions change.
We begin to think like Christ, live like Christ, and love like Christ.
Our old sinful desires are replaced with a passion for righteousness.
True regeneration is not just about attending church—it is about a changed life.
5. REGENERATION EMPOWERS US TO LIVE FOR CHRIST
A lamp without electricity is useless. No matter how beautiful it is, it cannot shine unless it is connected to a power source.
In the same way, without the Holy Spirit, we cannot live the Christian life.
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Regeneration empowers us to overcome sin and live victoriously.
We receive spiritual power to fulfil God’s purpose.
Our strength comes from Christ living inside us.
Are you connected to Christ, your source of power?
CONCLUSION:
Regeneration is a divine transformation, not a human improvement. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that makes us new creations in Christ.
Are you still struggling with your old sinful nature?
Do you want a new life, a new heart, and a new spirit?
Today, Jesus is calling you to be born again.
Surrender to Him, and He will regenerate and transform you forever.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me a new heart and a new spirit in Jesus' name.
2. Father, cleanse me from my old sinful nature and make me a new creation.
3. Holy Spirit, empower me to live in righteousness and holiness.
4. Lord, renew my mind daily and transform my thoughts to align with Your will.
5. Father, let my life reflect the power of regeneration to the world.
