REGENERATION

The Greek term palingenesia consists of two components. Palin means "again, back," and genesis, denotes "to become, come about, birth." The word thus signifies a rebirth or a renewal. The actual word is found but twice in the N.T., though the idea is suggested frequently. (a) In Titus 3:5 the word refers to the process of conversion to Christ. Several points are made within this passage. Salvation is not accessed by works that men contrive; it is the result of God's mercy. Redemption is accomplished, however, by the agency of the "washing" of the rebirth, together with the renewing of the Holy Spirit. This process corresponds precisely with the Lord's instruction in John 3:3-5, namely the "born again" experience, which involves both the Holy Spirit and water. The Holy Spirit, working through the gospel message, produces the faith that expresses itself in the act of obeying Christ in baptism. See NEW BIRTH. Almost all scholars acknowledge that "washing" is a reference to water baptism. Note that the net result is being "justified by his grace" (v. 7). Obedience and grace are not mutually exclusive. (b) Near the close of his ministry, Jesus said unto his disciples: "Verily I say unto you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mt. 19:28). This passage has perplexed many. To what does "regeneration" refer in this text? It does not refer to a supposed "millennial reign" of Christ, nor to a "renewed earth," both theories being in contradiction to numerous scriptures -- though it is difficult to find commentators who are not swayed by premillennial presupposition relative to this passage. See DISPENSATIONALISM. The passage most likely refers either to the authority of the apostles, as represented in the N.T. writings, in this current age of "regeneration," i.e., the Christian era, or else it envisions the apostles sharing in the final victory of their Lord (Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12). Any view of this passage that one adopts must harmonize with the overall teaching of the Scriptures.