Understanding Your Religion
7 Major Doctrines that Define Christianity
A New Life in Christ
The Sub-Doctrine of Regeneration
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on a new life in Christ. Of special note in this lesson is the concept of regeneration brought about by the atonement of our sins and how that is seen in our lives.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the impact of regeneration in a Christian’s life.
- Feel: Value the new life given in Christ.
- Do: Live faithfully according to the teachings of Jesus.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Regeneration means to make alive again. It is to take something that was and renew it. It is the same concept as being born again.
Before their slavery they were recognized as an independent nation of God's people. During the period of slavery, they lost their identity as a free nation and were seen as a race of captives/slaves. God freed them from slavery giving them back (regenerating) their identity as a nation of His people. They then went through a period of teaching and growing as a nation during their period of wandering in the desert.
Jesus was describing the concept of spiritual rebirth made possible through Himself. One had an initial birth in innocence but eventually died because of sin and needed to be reborn in order to be freed from sin.
Paul explained that our baptism was the process of both dying to sin and being reborn free from sin. He also used the illustration of being free from the slavery of sin to become a servant/slave of Christ. Paul states that we are now in the family of God. This gift has been called the new birth, new life, walking in light and citizenship in the kingdom of God.
It is through regeneration that we can have life. We've lost the hope of eternal life because of our sin. God knows we cannot regain it without His grace, so He took on the cost of redemption through the atoning sacrifice on the cross of His Son, Jesus. Our faith in God's grace is seen by our willingness to obey His will seen through our conversion. The conversion process is experienced through our regeneration.
The dividing line is our repentance and baptism. Belief is critical but we can believe all we want to and remain lost if we do not act upon that belief. We can't earn our salvation, but we can express our faith. Repentance is our commitment to follow-through with our belief. Repentance, although vital, is not enough. The combination of repentance and baptism initiates our regeneration. This regeneration continues as we mature spiritually.
Before regeneration we are lost. This means we are guilty of our sins and have no hope of eternal life. Some may fool themselves into a false belief that God will forgive without faith or obedience on our part. This is a false hope. Remember, it is not our action, but God's grace (Ephesians 2:8) that saves us, however, we must express our faith according to Jesus' command (Mark 16:16).
After regeneration (our conversion) we now have a new life. Even though we fail in our faithfulness, we are nevertheless born into God's family and can return to the Father for forgiveness. Before we were outside the family without hope but now are within the family and have hope (Luke 15) and a sure pathway to forgiveness when we fail (I John 1:7-9).
Regeneration means that we continue to transform from our old self to the new self in Christ. We've been freed from our sins, but Satan will attack us to draw us back into our former selves. We must grow spiritually so that we can draw closer to God and continue to live faithful lives. God does not require perfection, but He does require faithfulness.
We should grow:
- in our desire to serve and obey our Lord.
- in our faithfulness to God's Kingdom (His church/body).
- in our desire to live pure lives.