Regeneration is the act of God that enables faith; it precedes and empowers an individual's ability to trust in Christ (John 1:12-13).
Regeneration is intrinsically linked to faith, as it is the act of God that instills spiritual life into the believer, enabling them to respond to the Gospel. In John 1:12-13, the apostle emphasizes that those who believe in Christ are born not of human descent or a husband’s will, but born of God. This indicates that regeneration is an act of divine initiative, which grants a person the ability to exercise faith. In other words, regeneration precedes faith; it awakens the soul, transforming the heart so that one can genuinely trust in Christ and His finished work. Such faith is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt commitment that flows naturally from being made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, regeneration and faith are two components of the same work of salvation, highlighting the sovereignty of God in the process of redemption.
Scripture References:
John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:8-9
Commentary