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NASB | John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:3 Jesus answered him, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God." |
Bible Question:
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, I'd like some more information on regeneration. Seems to be two schools of thought on it. Some say regeneration is the same as being born again or converted. (According to this model, I guess you could alternately say that regeneration happens at the same time as conversion.) Others say that it is a seperate step, i.e., you are regenerated BEFORE you have faith. I did some searching last night and it seems the only place in the Bible that uses the word regeneration is Titus 3:5, and that is only in the KJV, and NASB, but not the NIV. (I only have those three versions at home.) NIV uses the term "washing of rebirth". Is regeneration the same or different from the new birth talked about in Eze. 36:26,John 1:13, John 3:3, II Cor. 5:17, I Pet 1:23, I John 5:1? In some ways I feel like I'm splitting hairs here, but resolving this will help solve some related questions for me. Thanks! |
Bible Answer: Greetings Huron, Regeneration refers to the spiritual change brought about in a person by the Holy Spirit, namely a new life. This change is from spiritual death to spiritual life. It is a change in one's very nature, to one in communion with God. The New Testament explicitly presents the doctrine (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:1; 1 John 4:7), whereas the Old Testament implies it. Moses spoke of Israelites who would have "circumcised hearts" (Deut. 30:6). Isaiah also described changes that resemble the New Testament depiction of the new birth (Isaiah 57:15). Blessings to you, Makarios |