Regeneration by the Spirit

Adam's sin brought about the ruin of humanity. Christ's redemption began its restoration, and is put into effect when the Holy Spirit gives new life. We cannot recover ourselves - 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?' Our spiritual deadness does not allow love for God or faith in his Word. The natural man is without God and without hope - 'cannot see the kingdom of heaven'. But there is such a thing as new birth. The Old Testament promised it. The reference in Ezekiel 36 shows cleansing from idolatry, sensitivity to God, the Spirit of God within, and his law internalised. It is evidenced by faith in Christ, by love to God and his people, by a change of conduct, and by godly sorrow for sin that leads us to make appropriate changes.