Regeneration

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) … "(Ephesians 2:4-5)

Regeneration is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that is accomplished instantaneously as a sinner is convicted of his sin and responds in faith to the divine call of God on his life (John 3:3-8;Titus 3:5). God alone is the agent of this change in the life of a repentant sinner. Regeneration extends to the whole part of man; his complete nature, altering that old nature and making it new, including his disposition, the way he thinks, how he desires to live, speak, and act. As a man is regenerated (re-created) by the gracious sovereignty of the Holy Spirit, he is then declared righteous by God (justification).

This radical transformation of the soul of man is completed by God the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:24), rendering a new man (Colossians 3:10) who has forever ceased to be the man he was (Romans 12:2).  Whereas synergist teach that salvation depends on an act of the human will, the Bible teaches that it depends on not on human will or exertion, but on god who has mercy (Romans 9:16). [1]

Regeneration is the birth, justification is the result, and sanctification is the growth whereby it continues (I Pet. 2:2; II Pet. 3:18).

“Genuine regeneration is manifested by fruits and demonstrated in attitudes and conduct. Good works will be its proper evidence and fruit (I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 5:17-21; Philippians 2:12). This obedience causes the believer to be increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. [2]

There are plenty of additional very valuable resources on the Internet and in the stores (and in many Bible-centered pulpits!) to aid you in your understanding and growth.

   Faith in the living God and his Son Jesus Christ is always the result of the new birth, and can never exist except in the regenerate. Whoever has faith is a saved man. ~ Charles Spurgeon