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Questions about: Apologetics and Theology
Jason: (12/11/07) Hey Jack, What is the difference between Regeneration and Justification? Jason

Jack: Jason, here are definitions of the two:

Regeneration:

A biblical motif of salvation that emphasizes the rebirth or re-creation of fallen human beings by the indwelling Holy Spirit. One central biblical text depicting salvation as regeneration is Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in which he emphasized the necessity of being "born again" (John 3:1-21).

Justification:

A forensic (legal) term related to the idea of acquittal, "justification" refers to the divine act whereby God makes humans, who are sinful and therefore worthy of condemnation, acceptable before a God who is holy and righteous. More appropriately described as "justification by grace through faith," this key doctrine of the Reformation asserts that a sinner is justified (pardoned from the punishment and condemnation of sin) and brought into relationship with God by faith in God's grace alone.

In other words, “Justification” is God declaring us “just,” just as if we had never sinner, because of Jesus’ death for us and our response in faith. “Regeneration” is His work of making us new creatures by the inward activity of His Holy Spirit.

I trust this helps you understand these two terms.

Jack

P.S. These two definitions come from Stanley J. Grenz, et al: Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999, 122 pages.) (If interested, you can order it directly from InterVarsity Press, or a used copy from Amazon for $4.00.)

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