What Is Regeneration in the Bible?
What Is Regeneration in the Bible? Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a spiritually dead sinner is given new life in Christ.
Key verse: John 3:3 (KJV)
Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a spiritually dead sinner is given new life in Christ.
Regeneration is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit by which a spiritually dead sinner is given new life in Christ.
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." — John 3:3 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Regeneration is the new birth Jesus described to Nicodemus: 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:3). By nature, every person is 'dead in trespasses and sins' (Ephesians 2:1) — unable to please God or even desire Him. Regeneration is the sovereign act of the Holy Spirit who imparts spiritual life, granting a new heart, new affections, and the gift of faith. It is not a self-improvement project but a creation: 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature' (2 Corinthians 5:17). Regeneration always produces visible fruit — repentance, faith, love for God, and a transformed life.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About The Holy Spirit?
What the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit, His work, and His role in the believer's life.
Key Scripture References
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?
Being born again means experiencing a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, receiving a new nature and eternal life from God.
What Is Sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ, separating them from sin and developing holiness in their character.
What Is Justification in the Bible?
Justification is God's gracious act of declaring a sinner righteous in His sight through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Can God Forgive Any Sin?
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Regeneration in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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