Covenant Reformed News – December 2019 • Volume XVII, Issue 20
This article from Covenant Reformed News examines the doctrine of regeneration as taught in James 1:18, emphasizing that spiritual rebirth originates solely from God's sovereign will and grace toward the elect. The author explores how regeneration as a divine gift flows from God's sovereignty and connects this doctrine to the broader themes of election, depravity, and the believer's relationship with God as Father. This resource offers practical theological reflection on a foundational Reformed doctrine rooted in careful Scripture exegesis.
Begotten by God’s Own Will Holy Scripture speaks of regeneration as a new or spiritual birth. It is being born (or begotten) again or born from above or born of the Spirit or born of God. Thus James 1:18 states, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.” What is regeneration? Regeneration is God’s granting new, spiritual and heavenly life—the resurrection life of Jesus Christ—to an elect but totally depraved sinner, so that his inner transformation is truly a new, spiritual and...