The Manner of God’s Saving Work (4)

In this letter I shall gladly, with the Lord’s help, comply with your request for an explanation of the meaning of the word “regeneration” which occurs so many times in God’s Word.

In Scripture the word is used in two ways. I am thinking first of all of Matthew 19:28 where we read: “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The word is used here to denote the restoration of all things at the end of the ages. The curse which followed upon the fall in Paradise and came upon the world shall then be completely removed. In principle, the judgment of the world, considered as God’s creation was already removed when Christ arose. Christ’s triumph was complete. The very root and substance of the new heavens and the new earth which the elect shall one day inherit lies in the resurrection of Christ.

There is also another meaning of the word “regeneration.” When Christ spoke to Nicodemus concerning regeneration in John 3 He meant the miracle which God performs in the hearts of His people when He quickens them to newness of life. This work of God is described in various ways. In the Scriptures of truth we read of a divine “deliverance” (Col. 1:13); of a “taking away of the stony heart and giving a heart of flesh” (Ezek. 36); of a “renewing” (2 Cor. 5:17), etc.

Our well-known divines understood by this word “regeneration” not only the spiritual conception, but also the spiritual formation of the new creature and the spiritual birth itself. Since we are finite creatures and can form only one idea at a time, we must distinguish between calling, regeneration, conversion, faith, and sanctification, but the Holy Scripture sometimes includes in one word all of these together.

Regeneration can be explained as a supernatural, divine act whereby the Lord, for the sake of Christ’s merits, implants in the heart of the elect sinner who is by nature dead, fallen, and unclean, a new and divine life through the incorruptible seed of His Word which is made fruitful by the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. It is called a birth, a being born again, a new birth, or a being born from above, not only because it takes place after one’s natural birth and is wrought from above, but also because of the close similarity there is between them. Let me mention a few things which will make it clear that we can speak correctly of a “new birth.”

Natural birth is a mystery. David declared with animation: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Not one of even the most learned men of the world is able to understand the phenomenon of natural conception and birth. And though we are blessed ever so many times in a natural way with the birth of a child, it remains a miracle still. So it is also with the new birth which is wrought by God.

“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them” (1 Cor. 2:14). These things go beyond the natural understanding. We can indeed marvel at and admire the works of God, but we can never comprehend or understand them. One moment Saul of Tarsus is a bitter persecutor of Christ and His Church and the next moment he is a preacher of Christ and a hearty friend of the Church. One day the jailor is a sworn enemy of the Church and the next day he is a great friend of God’s servants.

Thus we could multiply examples. We may well exclaim: “How great are Thy works, O Lord!” The birth from above is beyond our understanding.

Natural birth is effected by means of a seed. This second supernatural birth can likewise not be effected other than by the seed of the Word bedewed and fructified by the Holy Ghost. For proof of this from God’s Word consider first of all James 1:18: “Of His own will begat He us with the Word of truth....”; then 1 Peter 1:23: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever.”

This word of God is compared to seed and it teaches us that although it is small to all appearances it is nevertheless effectual in working. Although it lies hidden at first, it continues to grow and at last bears most precious fruit.

Throughout all ages God has used His Word as a means of conversion. Without it no conversion to God is possible. Either we are brought to the means or the means are brought to lis. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” By His Spirit God causes the Word to become “quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword....” Accompanied by the Spirit, the Word brings forth fruit worthy of faith and repentance.

For those who perish the Word is a savor of death unto death, but to those who are saved it is a savor of life unto life and the power of God unto salvation. Blessed are those who may learn to know something of the power of the Word in their hearts and lives.

The Lord willing, I hope to continue the next time. Only this remains to be said: God’s counsel is hidden from us. “Secret things are for the Lord our God.” I pray you, young and old, great and small, redeem the time and take advantage of the opportunities which God still grants you while He spares you and extends your time of grace. Do not neglect placing yourselves under the pure means of grace. Maybe a seed will fall which will be for your eternal gain. May God bless His Word for Jesus’ sake!

Rev. W.C. Lamain (1904-1984) pastored the Netherlands Reformed Congregations of Leiden (1929-1932), Rotterdam-South (1932-1943), Rijssen-Wal (1943-1947), and Grand Rapids, Michigan (1947-1984).

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