Faith Does Not Cause Regeneration

One of the most important questions any believer can ask is this: Does faith cause regeneration, or does regeneration cause faith? The answer to this question isn't just theological; it reshapes how we understand salvation, grace, and our total dependence on God.

At the heart of this question is Colossians 2:12, which reads. “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

On the surface, one might wonder if we are "raised with Christ through faith," does that mean faith causes this spiritual resurrection? However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals a deeper, richer truth and it’s one that brings great comfort, awe, and reverence for God's sovereign grace.

Faith or Regeneration: Which Comes First?

Colossians 2:12, while powerful and pivotal in understanding baptism and union with Christ, does not directly address whether faith causes regeneration or vice versa. The verse states that we are raised "through faith," but this phrase functions similarly to saying, "I escaped the mine through a tunnel" it tells us the means, not the origin. It doesn’t tell us who made the tunnel or how it came to be.

To understand the true order and whether the new birth causes faith or results from it we must look to other passages in Scripture.

The Biblical Order: Regeneration Precedes Faith

Several key texts clearly teach that regeneration, or the new birth, precedes faith. Consider 1 John 5:1, which says. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.”

Notice the tense everyone who believes has already been born of God. The new birth comes first, enabling belief.

Then there’s John 1:12-13, where John clarifies that those who believe in Christ were. “...born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

This passage dismantles any notion that human will initiates salvation. Belief doesn’t bring about new birth new birth brings about belief.

Acts 13:48 offers a powerful glimpse into divine election. “As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

It doesn’t say that those who believed were then appointed to eternal life. Rather, God’s sovereign choice led to their faith.

Add to this Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”

Faith itself is a gift, not a human contribution. It’s a result of God’s grace, not the cause of it.

Why This Truth Matters So Deeply

Understanding that regeneration comes before faith isn’t just a theological nuance it has real implications for how we view ourselves, God, and others. Here are three reasons this truth is profoundly important:

1. It Confronts the Reality of Sin

Scripture is clear before Christ, we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). Not sick. Not struggling. Dead.

Paul says in Romans 8:7-8 “The mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God… Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Dead people don’t seek God. They don’t generate faith from within. Regeneration the act of being made spiritually alive is something only God can do. If we misunderstand this, we downplay the depth of human depravity and our utter need for divine intervention.

2. It Magnifies the Glory of Grace

If we think we bring ourselves to life by choosing to believe, we rob God of His glory. But when we understand that even our faith is a result of God’s gracious work, our gratitude deepens.

This is why we sing “Amazing Grace” not because we were wise enough to believe, but because God was merciful enough to give us new life. When we realize we were dead, blind, and lost, grace no longer looks ordinary it becomes truly amazing.

3. It Inspires Hope in Evangelism and Prayer

Knowing that regeneration is God’s work gives us boldness in prayer and evangelism. We don’t convert people God does. Our role is to faithfully share the gospel and to pray, knowing that God alone opens eyes, softens hearts, and grants the gift of faith.

This means we can confidently proclaim Christ to even the most hardened unbelievers, trusting that God has the power to raise the dead just as He did for us.

A Sovereign Gift, A Humble Response

The question, “Does faith cause regeneration?” is ultimately a question about who holds the power in salvation. And Scripture is consistent: God does.

We do not believe to be born again. We are born again, and then we believe. This truth humbles us, elevates our worship, and stirs us to live in awe of the God who brought us from death to life.

If you’re a believer, it’s not because you figured it out. It’s because God chose to breathe life into your dead soul. Let that move you to worship today, and to share the gospel boldly, praying that God will do for others what He has done for you.

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