Regeneration consists in a gracious and supernatural change, wrought by the Spirit of God in all those who are saved to eternal life, by making them partakers of the divine nature,1 which is the principle of a holy life, effectually working in the whole man, and for that reason called ‘the new man.’2 The holy nature received in regeneration acts in all those who are made partakers of it in direct opposition to every form of corruption, and after God who created it.3 This change produces in the whole man a lively impress of God’s holiness, as a child bears the image of his father.4 God alone is the author of this change. It is generally wrought by means of the word, and is set forth in Scripture under several names; such as quickening, forming Christ in the heart, partaking of the divine nature, and circumcising the heart.5 This change is wrought in order that men may glorify God by bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, and purifying the soul, so as to be meet to enjoy fellowship with God for ever.6
1 John 3:3,5; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Peter 1:4; Gal. 6:15. 2 Eph. 4:24; 2 Cor. 5:17. 3 2 Peter 1:4; Gal. 5:24; Col. 3:9-10; 1 John 3:14; 5:1,18: Eph. 2:10; Phil. 4:13; Ezek. 36:27; Rom. 6:13-14; Heb. 2:12. 4 Matt. 5:48; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 8:29. 5 John 1:13; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; Titus 3:5; Ezek. 36:26; Eph. 2:1, 4-5: 4:24; James 1:18; 1 Cor. 4:15; Philem. 10; 2 Cor. 5:17. 6 1 John 3:9; 5:4; Rom. 8:17.
