regeneration

regeneration

The New Testament only uses the term “regeneration” twice: once in Matthew 19:28 (speaking of Resurrected Glorified Bodies) and once in Titus 3:5, which speaks of the “washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit”. The unanimous consent of the Fathers and Councils is that Titus 3:5 is speaking of Baptism. This is important because the Reformed have a dogmatic definition of “regeneration” which has no actual Scriptural basis. (The closest they come is claiming the “Born Again” in Jn 3:5 refers to monergistic regeneration, despite the fact context and Church Fathers clearly show it means Baptism.) What is fascinating though is that John Calvin was very clear that Titus 3:5 was speaking of Baptism, and even the Westminster Confession Ch 28:1 cites Titus 3:5 as speaking on Baptism. This naturally should entail that the Reformed should believe in Baptismal Regeneration to this day, but as I noted they must ‘reinterpret’ this. Indeed, I’m often amused when Reformed folks (especially Baptists) demand that Catholics show where in Scripture Paul says Justification entails an inner transformation, especially at Baptism, and yet when I point out Titus 3:4-7, I’ve never gotten a coherent alternate interpretation.

from comment 18: 

http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2012/09/did-the-council-of-trent-contradict-the-second-council-of-orange/#comment-37868