Reformation and Regeneration (Sanctification)

 


XVIII. - Reformation and Regeneration
(The gradual creation of a new mind and a new life from the Lord)

1. Doctrinal Core
Reformation and regeneration are distinct but inseparable processes by which a person is made spiritual. Reformation belongs primarily to the understanding (the part of you that sees what is true), through learning truths from the Word; regeneration belongs primarily to the will (the part of you that decides what it loves and will do), through living according to those truths. After death your understanding fades and remains behind with your physical body and only your will remains as it is part of your soul i.e. spiritual body which is who you really are.
True doctrine teaches that:

  • regeneration is impossible without reformation,
  • regeneration is not instantaneous but gradual,
  • a person must cooperate freely with the Lord,
  • and regeneration continues throughout earthly life.

Regeneration is therefore the actual removal of evils and implantation of goods, not a change of status or imputed condition.

2. The Literal Message of the Word
True doctrine teaches:

  • Spiritual change happens in stages.
  • First, a person learns what is true.
  • Then, they begin to live by those truths.
  • Over time, the Lord forms a new way of thinking and wanting.
  • This process continues as long as a person lives.

In short:
Regeneration is the Lord slowly building a new inner life by truth and obedience.

3. Spiritual Message of the Word
Spiritually, regeneration is a new creation.
As creation began with light and order, so regeneration begins with:

  • enlightenment of the understanding,
  • separation of truth from falsity,
  • and gradual establishment of spiritual order.

Angels perceive regeneration as:

  • the opening of heaven within a person,
  • the formation of a new spiritual body,
  • and increasing conjunction with the Lord.

Reformation prepares the ground; regeneration produces life.

4. Psychological Meaning
Psychologically, reformation and regeneration correspond to:

  • restructuring belief systems (reformation),
  • followed by reshaping desires and habits (regeneration).

A person may:

  • understand truths long before wanting them,
  • struggle internally as old desires resist change,
  • experience alternating states of progress and resistance.

Regeneration is therefore developmental, involving conflict, patience, and perseverance.

5. Regenerative Process
(What changes in a person over time)
Regeneration proceeds through ordered stages:

  • Instruction - learning truths from the Word
  • Reflection - applying truth to oneself
  • Temptation - conflict between old and new loves
  • Resistance - refraining from evils because they are sins
  • Implantation - formation of new loves and habits

This process is gradual because:

  • evils are deeply rooted,
  • freedom must be preserved,
  • and genuine love cannot be forced.

The Lord does the work; the person consents and cooperates and feels that they are the one making the changes in their life even though they acknowledge that it is the Lord changing their evil loves to good loves through his Power and Grace.

6. Daily Life Application
(How true doctrine lives in practice)
In daily life, true doctrine teaches a person to:

  • be patient with slow change,
  • value steady obedience over dramatic experiences,
  • accept temptation as part of growth,
  • and trust the Lord’s hidden work during struggle.

Regeneration is seen in:

  • changing priorities,
  • softened reactions,
  • increasing usefulness,
  • and deeper peace over time.

7. Common Misunderstandings Corrected
(What true doctrine is NOT saying)
Being a Christian does not mean:

  • that regeneration happens at conversion,
  • that intellectual belief alone transforms,
  • that temptation is a sign of failure,
  • or that perfection is achieved in this life.

It explicitly rejects:

  • instantaneous sanctification,
  • imputed holiness,
  • passive salvation,
  • and despair during struggle.

8. Doctrinal Connections
True doctrine governs:

  • Repentance - the starting point
  • Freedom of choice - cooperation required
  • Faith - truths learned and lived
  • Charity - new will expressed in use
  • Temptations - means of regeneration
  • The Lord the Redeemer - source of all regenerating power

Without regeneration, salvation remains theoretical.

9. In Short:
Reformation and regeneration are the gradual processes by which the Lord creates a new understanding and a new will in a person. Through learning truth, resisting evil, and enduring temptation, a person is spiritually recreated, not instantly, but progressively, in freedom and cooperation with the Lord.





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