Since humanity is spiritually dead, when an individual is regenerated by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, in a sense, resurrects them from spiritual death (i.e., separation from God). Such a resurrection results in the individual becoming a new creature.
As well, the regenerated individual receives a new nature.
The regenerative nature of the Holy Spirit’s work is referred to as washing (cf. Titus 3:5). Just as washing with water cleanses the physical body, the Holy Spirit cleanses the spiritual body or inner man.
Also, the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit not only purifies, but it replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh, giving the individual a new heart and new spirit.
As such, the individual can repent and place their faith in Christ’s salvific work. An individual’s repentance and faith do not cause regeneration. Regeneration causes one’s repentance and faith. Regeneration is entirely the work of God, particularly the Third Person of the Godhead — the Holy Spirit.
- Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
As well, the regenerated individual receives a new nature.
- and put on the new self [i.e., nature], which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. -Ephesians 4:24
The regenerative nature of the Holy Spirit’s work is referred to as washing (cf. Titus 3:5). Just as washing with water cleanses the physical body, the Holy Spirit cleanses the spiritual body or inner man.
- Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. - 1 Corinthians 6:11
Also, the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit not only purifies, but it replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh, giving the individual a new heart and new spirit.
- Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:25-26
As such, the individual can repent and place their faith in Christ’s salvific work. An individual’s repentance and faith do not cause regeneration. Regeneration causes one’s repentance and faith. Regeneration is entirely the work of God, particularly the Third Person of the Godhead — the Holy Spirit.
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