what is regeneration/

Before we properly with the subject of regeneration, we must get rid of the rubbish of religious opinion and terminology.

Let's notice what the new birth is not;

1. It is not experimental--The creative act of the Holy Spirit in the soul is instantaneous.
thus regeneration takes place in the sphere of the sub-consciousness.
Regeneration is compared to conception in the womb, rather than the bringing forth of life in birth.
Thus as conception comes before birth, so regeneration comes before conversion [I John 3;9; I Peter 1;23].

2. It does not depend on repentance and faith.
Repentance and faith are the fruit of regeneration, which is the tree.
Fruit does not bear the tree.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH DO NOT BEAR REGENERATION [Acts 11;18; Ephesians 2;8]

3. It is not contingent on the word of the gospel.
Just as darkness has no disposition to receive light, so the unregenerate man has no disposition to receive the gospel.
Light shines in darkness, but the darkness comprehends it not [John 1;5].
THERE'S A DISTINCTION BETWEEN A CREATIVE ACT, AND THE WORD OF PREACHING.

4. It does not rely upon the sinner taking the 1st step by manifesting a willingness to receive Christ.
Who can will/ John 5;40-''And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.''
Disease is in the will, thus the will cannot provide a cure.

5. It is not preceded by Divine conviction.
the outward preaching of God's Word alone, does not bring about conviction.
Conviction is of God.
The indwelling Spirit in the regenerate is necessary to apply the External word, or, the subjective Spirit is required to apply the objective word [John 16;8-11].

6. It is not prefaced by the effectual call.
Calling is God's summons, appealing to the principle of life that causes the will to act.
The one called must be able to hear, and come to Christ, and is made able in regeneration.

Regeneration
1. Presupposes Depravity
2. Precedes the sanctifying influence of the gospel.
3. Is a necessity.
4. I s the creative act of God
5. The Holy Spirit is its agent
6. Union with God is the result.
7. Is the impartation of the principle of spiritual life
8. Jesus Christ is the revealer of it
9. Is the 1st work of grace in redemption's application.

PW Foltz