The following explanation of regeneration from the Canons of Dordt is one of my favorites. The Dordtian divines placed the miracle of regeneration on the par of creation and the resurrection from the dead. I hope the following Synod of Dordt article on regeneration renews a spirit of delight in the miracle that God has performed in his elect.
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The Canons of Dordt
Third and Fourth Heads of Doctrine: Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof.
Article 12
And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture, and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed his part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted, or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation, or the resurrection from the dead, as the Scripture inspired by the author of this work declares; so that all in whose heart God works in this marvelous manner, are certainly, infallibly, and effectually regenerated, and do actually believe. - Whereupon the will thus renewed, is not only actuated and influenced by God, but in consequence of this influence, becomes itself active. Wherefore also, man is himself rightly said to believe and repent, by virtue of that grace received (emphasis mine).
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