The term regeneration comes from a Greek word meaning "rebirth" or "new genesis." The term signifies the renewal of the fallen creation through the redemptive work of Christ. The actual term "regeneration" is found only twice in Scripture, once for the renewal of all things (Matthew 19:28; cf. Acts 3:21, "restoration of all things") and once for the present inner spiritual renewal of believers. The same concept of renewal is expressed in the language of a new heart (e.g., Ezekiel 36:26f), of a new birth (e.g., John 3:3, 7), of new persons through union with Christ in death and resurrection (e.g., Romans 6:4-8), and a new creation including persons (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:17) and the heavens and earth (e.g., Revelation 21:1). All of these concepts of renewal belong to the one great action of God in bringing eternal life and incorruptibility to fallen creation. The present new birth of individual believers is thus the beginning of the regeneration that will ultimately encompass the universe (heavens and earth).

This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.