How does justification relate to regeneration?

In the order of salvation, regeneration (being born again) precedes justification. This means that before a person can grasp or appreciate the concept of justification—that they are declared righteous by faith in Christ—they must first experience a transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. Understanding justification requires a new nature that is given in regeneration because without being made spiritually alive, one cannot acknowledge their need for salvation or the grace of God. Thus, regeneration and justification are foundationally linked in the believer's experience of salvation.