Regeneration

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

in biology, the genesis or production of new tissue to supply the place of an old texture lost or removed. In some of the inferior animals an organ or a limb can thus be supplied; in man regeneration is much more limited in its operation. Thus, when a breach of continuity takes place in a muscle, it is repaired by a new growth of connective tissue, but muscular substance like that lost is not restored. Nerve, fibrous, areolar, and epithelial tissues are more easily repaired. In Scripture, regeneration is the state of being born again, i. e., in a spiritual manner. The word regeneration (Greek palingenesia) occurs twice in the Authorized Version and Revised Version of the New Testament. In Matt. xix: 28, if connected, as seems natural, with the words which follow, not with those which precede it, it refers to the renovation or restoration of all things which a shall take place at the second advent of Christ. The other passage is: "Not by works done in righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us through the washing [margin, laver] of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Titus iii: 5 (R. V.). The doctrine of regeneration was formally expounded by Jesus in his interview with Nicodemus (John iii: 1-10). All theologians consider the Holy Spirit the author of regeneration. n. Two views exist as to the relation between baptism and the new birth. One considers the water in John iii: 5, and the washing or laver of Titus iii: 5, to be that of baptism, and that the administration of the rite of baptism is immediately followed or accompanied by what is called in consequence "baptismal regeneration." The other view is that the water, washing and laver, in these passages, are but figurative allusions to the power of the Holy Spirit in removing the corruption of the heart, and that regeneration is effected, quite independently of baptism, by the Holy Spirit alone. REGENSBURG. See RATISBON.