Regeneration as an Act of the Holy
Spirit

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Question
Is regeneration solely an act of the Holy Spirit?
Answer
You know, when we talk about the doctrine of regeneration, we're talking about a doctrine that deals with the work of God in our life in bringing us to faith in Christ. So you could raise the question, "Well, then is the Holy Spirit the only one acting in the area of regeneration?" The answer would be, "Yes, but " Yes, it is the Holy Spirit that regenerates us, that gives us the new birth, that makes us new. Paul said, " not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit." That's Titus 3:5. Having said that, is there a human part that is also played in the work of regeneration? The answer is, yes. We do, as a result of the work of regeneration, repent and exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So, will regeneration always involve our repentance and faith? Yes. But our repentance and faith is indeed the spiritual response to the work of regeneration. I mean, after all, we are born again; we are regenerated; we are made new because we're dead, and dead men and women can't do anything but be dead. And so, without the Spirit making us alive, we would not have the capacity to respond, we would not have the capacity to repent and exercise faith.

Answer by Dr. Danny Akin

Dr. Danny Akin is the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and has been serving in the role since 2004. Known as an advocate for international missions and expository preaching, he also has a reputation as a faithful husband and father and genuine man of God. Akin and his wife Charlotte have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and 14 grandchildren.