REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Six
JOHN 3;1-13
In our first post, ''WHAT IS REGENERATION, '' we saw briefly What it is not.
1. It is not experimental.
2. It is not dependent on repentance and faith.
3. It is not contingent on the word of the gospel.
4. It is not reliant on the sinner, taking the first step, by manifesting his willingness to trust Christ.
5. It is not preceded by Divine Conviction.
6.It is not prefaced by the Effectual Call.
and now, we look again at;
7. It is not effected by the ordinance of Baptism.
Baptism is a symbolic picture of the believer's union with Christ, in His death, burial, and resurrection--
Romans 6;3-6--''Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death/ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.''
Acts 8;36-38--[Turn].
Now, Get this truth; God has always had, only one means for man's redemption, and that method is GRACE.
Now, Grace can only act, on the foundation, that all alike, deserve nothing.
Therefore, through unmerited favor, Grace is bestowed upon some.
The people of God, in The Old Testament, were the recipients of Grace.
Acts 26;20-23--[Turn].
Paul said, ''None other things'' than those proclaimed by Moses and the Prophets, for setting apart those, Whom, God had previously given Hearing Ears.
His message was The Gospel--I Corinthians 15;1-4 [Turn].
Acts 2;38--''Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.''
This is not a difficult verse, if one understands Biblical Regeneration.
Repentance precedes Baptism;
it is the fruit of Regeneration.
Since Regeneration precedes Repentance, and Repentance precedes Baptism, then, How can
Baptism CAUSE Regeneration/
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Five
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Five
John 3;1-13
Redemption is not something provided, as an offer, for all men, but A Redemption made sure, to those, whom God sovereignly regenerates.
Regeneration, therefore, is not a life-line thrown out to a drowning man, but a ransom, applied to a person, dead in trespasses and sins.
Repentance is of God--Jeremiah 31;18-21; Acts 11;18-[Turn].
Faith, also, is of God--Ephesians 2;8-[Quote].
Philippians 1;29--''For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;''
Hebrews 12;2--''Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.''
Repentance and Faith are God's gifts of Salvation;
therefore, they can't be man's contribution, to his Salvation.
The flesh, or, old nature, is not changed in Regeneration.
It is condemned, but not changed in the believer--Romans 8;3-[Turn].
Flesh, therefore, either signifies the state of the unregenerate man, or flesh, in the Regenerate, which resists The Holy Spirit--Galatians 5;17-[Turn].
The old nature [flesh] resides in the man, born of God, but it doesn't reign.
The Regenerate Man doesn't live in the old nature, but flesh, is in the believer.
Regeneration does not destroy the presence and power of the flesh, in the saint;
but it has been judicially condemned, in Christ's sacrifice.
When One is Regenerated by the Holy Spirit, he is a spiritual Person; John 3;6-[Turn].
God's first reference to ''Spirit'' is used of THE AUTHOR of The New Birth.
His second reference to ''Spirit'' is used of the spiritual life of the Person Regenerated.
''Born of the Spirit'' proves that the Third Person of the Godhead, is the One, Who applies
Redemption.
Now, if the Holy Spirit were nothing more, than an influence, such a creative act, could NEVER TAKE PLACE, in the soul, of a depraved man.
A mere influence DOESN'T POSSESS inherent power.
The Holy Spirit is more, than an influence, He is a Divine Person;
and as a person, He exerts Divine influence.
He is called ''GOD,'' And God is a Person--Acts 5;3-4--[Turn].
Spiritual living is the fruit of being born of The Spirit.
Notice, the word, ''Spirit'' in the latter part of John 3;6 refers to the spiritual nature, and to its exercise.
The Spiritual Man has a spiritual mind;
he has a Person, Who indwells, seals, intercedes, and empowers.
Romans 8 shows The Power of The Holy Spirit to;
1. Liberate [verses 2-4].
2. Provide [verses 5-6].
3. Indwell [verse 9].
4. Quicken [verse 11].
5. Triumph [verse 13].
6. Guide [verse 14].
7. Deliver from slavish fear [Verse 15].
8. Give witness to salvation [verse 16].
9. Over-rule in life's affairs [verse 26].
10. Search and intercede [verse 27].
In I Corinthians 2;10-14, The Holy Spirit;
Reveals [verse 10].
Teaches [verse 13].
Discerns [verse 14].
Searches [verse 10].
But, before leaving those wonderful helps of The Holy Spirit, we must ask, to Whom, does the
Spirit direct the believer's attention, in revealing, teaching, discerning, and searching/
Answer--
John 16-13-14--''Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.''
The evidence of being born of The Spirit is manifested in the disposition, discernment, and action, of a believer.
He reveals, not only the habits, but also, The Spirit of Grace.
Nicodemus' overwhelming astonishment is brought out by Jesus' Statement;
''Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again'' [John 3;7].
This religious Pharisee was as startled at Regeneration, as most Religionists are today.
It was as new to his mind, as Paul's message, was to The Athenians--Acts 17;22-31--[Turn].
next time we shall look at Regenration Proper.
John 3;1-13
Redemption is not something provided, as an offer, for all men, but A Redemption made sure, to those, whom God sovereignly regenerates.
Regeneration, therefore, is not a life-line thrown out to a drowning man, but a ransom, applied to a person, dead in trespasses and sins.
Repentance is of God--Jeremiah 31;18-21; Acts 11;18-[Turn].
Faith, also, is of God--Ephesians 2;8-[Quote].
Philippians 1;29--''For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;''
Hebrews 12;2--''Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.''
Repentance and Faith are God's gifts of Salvation;
therefore, they can't be man's contribution, to his Salvation.
The flesh, or, old nature, is not changed in Regeneration.
It is condemned, but not changed in the believer--Romans 8;3-[Turn].
Flesh, therefore, either signifies the state of the unregenerate man, or flesh, in the Regenerate, which resists The Holy Spirit--Galatians 5;17-[Turn].
The old nature [flesh] resides in the man, born of God, but it doesn't reign.
The Regenerate Man doesn't live in the old nature, but flesh, is in the believer.
Regeneration does not destroy the presence and power of the flesh, in the saint;
but it has been judicially condemned, in Christ's sacrifice.
When One is Regenerated by the Holy Spirit, he is a spiritual Person; John 3;6-[Turn].
God's first reference to ''Spirit'' is used of THE AUTHOR of The New Birth.
His second reference to ''Spirit'' is used of the spiritual life of the Person Regenerated.
''Born of the Spirit'' proves that the Third Person of the Godhead, is the One, Who applies
Redemption.
Now, if the Holy Spirit were nothing more, than an influence, such a creative act, could NEVER TAKE PLACE, in the soul, of a depraved man.
A mere influence DOESN'T POSSESS inherent power.
The Holy Spirit is more, than an influence, He is a Divine Person;
and as a person, He exerts Divine influence.
He is called ''GOD,'' And God is a Person--Acts 5;3-4--[Turn].
Spiritual living is the fruit of being born of The Spirit.
Notice, the word, ''Spirit'' in the latter part of John 3;6 refers to the spiritual nature, and to its exercise.
The Spiritual Man has a spiritual mind;
he has a Person, Who indwells, seals, intercedes, and empowers.
Romans 8 shows The Power of The Holy Spirit to;
1. Liberate [verses 2-4].
2. Provide [verses 5-6].
3. Indwell [verse 9].
4. Quicken [verse 11].
5. Triumph [verse 13].
6. Guide [verse 14].
7. Deliver from slavish fear [Verse 15].
8. Give witness to salvation [verse 16].
9. Over-rule in life's affairs [verse 26].
10. Search and intercede [verse 27].
In I Corinthians 2;10-14, The Holy Spirit;
Reveals [verse 10].
Teaches [verse 13].
Discerns [verse 14].
Searches [verse 10].
But, before leaving those wonderful helps of The Holy Spirit, we must ask, to Whom, does the
Spirit direct the believer's attention, in revealing, teaching, discerning, and searching/
Answer--
John 16-13-14--''Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.''
The evidence of being born of The Spirit is manifested in the disposition, discernment, and action, of a believer.
He reveals, not only the habits, but also, The Spirit of Grace.
Nicodemus' overwhelming astonishment is brought out by Jesus' Statement;
''Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again'' [John 3;7].
This religious Pharisee was as startled at Regeneration, as most Religionists are today.
It was as new to his mind, as Paul's message, was to The Athenians--Acts 17;22-31--[Turn].
next time we shall look at Regenration Proper.
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Four
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Four
JOHN 3;1-13
Regeneration is accomplished by neither natural power, nor by external ordinances.
As Abraham was justified through faith, apart from circumcision [ROMANS 4;10], SO, THE CHOSEN OF GOD, are regeneration and justified by God, without any ordinance performed by man.
The Holy Spirit in performing Regeneration, works like water.As ''The Holy Ghost and fire'' [Matthew 3;11] signify one thing--The purging of the dross-in Sanctification,
so ''water and spirit'' [John 3;5] indicate one thing-The Spirit cleansing like water-in Regeneration.
Isaiah 44;3--''For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.''
Ezekiel 36;25-''Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.''
Christ repeats only the Spirit in John 3;6, so He includes all that is signified by water and spirit in verse 5.
''That which is born of the spirit is spirit'' [John 3;6].
Man is, by his natural birth, depraved.
''That which is born of the flesh is flesh'' [John 3;6].
The word ''flesh'' in John 3;6 is not the fleshly part of man.
It doesn't refer to his body, but to his unregenerate nature.
The preposition is ''of''[ek] which means source; This is as the same as'' of corruptible seed'' [I Peter 1;23].
Thus the source of unregenerate nature, is unregenerate nature.As
Adam beget a son, in his own likeness, not God's likeness, so, the descendants of Adam bear children, in their likeness, not God's.This means that a born again person begets a un-regenerated child.
Now a father cannot communicate Grace, but he does transmit the fallen nature.
Salvation, therefore, does not run in the Blood Stream.
John 1;13-''Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,but of God.''
The Bible teaches ''Universal Corruption''--Romans 3;23; Ephesians 2;1-3.
Scripture refers to corruption, in various ways. It emphatically states, that there is no one, in his natural condition, who has an understanding heart, and seeks after God--
Psalm 14;2-3--''The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.''
Romans 3;11--''There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.''
No unregenerate person seeks the Lord. The Bible always pictures him, as turning and hiding from God [GENESIS 3;8; ISAIAH
53;6]
ROMANS 10;20a--''But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not;''
Man's corruption is evident, in every part of his life. His heart is hard and impenitent [Romans 2;5].
His life is filled with ungodliness and unrighteousness-
Romans 1;18-''For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.''
The sinner is characterized by these things, and it is not incidental, but it fills his whole mind, heart, and life, in its utmost depths-
Romans 3;9-10-''What then/ are we better than they/ No, in no wise; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;''
Our Lord, in showing Nicodemus, his true condition, points him to the fact, that, even in natural things, he lacked comprehension. The
Fall, therefore, caused man's understanding of natural things, to have its limitations.
John 3;12-''IF I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not,how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things/''
Job was utterly perplexed by many questions, concerning Creation
[Job 38-39].
But to the spiritual mind, Creation is the lattice, behind which,
God hides Himself-
Song of Solomon 2;9--''My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.''
Yet, He reveals Himself to faith-
Romans 11;33-34--''O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God... how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.... For who hath known the mind of the Lord/ or who hath been his counsellor/''
The knowledge of man's depravity and redemption are the two hinges, on which, the whole structure of Regeneration, moves. . .
Now, as man's depravity cannot be understood without apprehending
Regeneration, so, Regeneration cannot be known, without a basic knowledge of Depravity.
Here, is where, the real problem lies.
[1.]Is man, in his lost condition, totally unable to do anything of a spiritual nature/
[2.]Is The New Birth wholly of God/
Now, to say that man, in his unregenerate condition, can repent and believe, is to deny Depravity.
Some ask, ''If one can't do these things, why is he thus commanded/''
A thief's inability to repay what he has stolen, doesn't affect the
Right, of the person, he has deprived.
Neither does man's inability, because of The Fall, affect God's Right to command.
God has the right, to demand the sinner to repent and to believe.
However, the sinner, has made himself, unable to do so, by his complicity with Adam in original sin--Romans 5;12.
Each man shall give an account of himself to God.
JOHN 3;1-13
Regeneration is accomplished by neither natural power, nor by external ordinances.
As Abraham was justified through faith, apart from circumcision [ROMANS 4;10], SO, THE CHOSEN OF GOD, are regeneration and justified by God, without any ordinance performed by man.
The Holy Spirit in performing Regeneration, works like water.As ''The Holy Ghost and fire'' [Matthew 3;11] signify one thing--The purging of the dross-in Sanctification,
so ''water and spirit'' [John 3;5] indicate one thing-The Spirit cleansing like water-in Regeneration.
Isaiah 44;3--''For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.''
Ezekiel 36;25-''Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.''
Christ repeats only the Spirit in John 3;6, so He includes all that is signified by water and spirit in verse 5.
''That which is born of the spirit is spirit'' [John 3;6].
Man is, by his natural birth, depraved.
''That which is born of the flesh is flesh'' [John 3;6].
The word ''flesh'' in John 3;6 is not the fleshly part of man.
It doesn't refer to his body, but to his unregenerate nature.
The preposition is ''of''[ek] which means source; This is as the same as'' of corruptible seed'' [I Peter 1;23].
Thus the source of unregenerate nature, is unregenerate nature.As
Adam beget a son, in his own likeness, not God's likeness, so, the descendants of Adam bear children, in their likeness, not God's.This means that a born again person begets a un-regenerated child.
Now a father cannot communicate Grace, but he does transmit the fallen nature.
Salvation, therefore, does not run in the Blood Stream.
John 1;13-''Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,but of God.''
The Bible teaches ''Universal Corruption''--Romans 3;23; Ephesians 2;1-3.
Scripture refers to corruption, in various ways. It emphatically states, that there is no one, in his natural condition, who has an understanding heart, and seeks after God--
Psalm 14;2-3--''The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.''
Romans 3;11--''There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.''
No unregenerate person seeks the Lord. The Bible always pictures him, as turning and hiding from God [GENESIS 3;8; ISAIAH
53;6]
ROMANS 10;20a--''But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not;''
Man's corruption is evident, in every part of his life. His heart is hard and impenitent [Romans 2;5].
His life is filled with ungodliness and unrighteousness-
Romans 1;18-''For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.''
The sinner is characterized by these things, and it is not incidental, but it fills his whole mind, heart, and life, in its utmost depths-
Romans 3;9-10-''What then/ are we better than they/ No, in no wise; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one;''
Our Lord, in showing Nicodemus, his true condition, points him to the fact, that, even in natural things, he lacked comprehension. The
Fall, therefore, caused man's understanding of natural things, to have its limitations.
John 3;12-''IF I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not,how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things/''
Job was utterly perplexed by many questions, concerning Creation
[Job 38-39].
But to the spiritual mind, Creation is the lattice, behind which,
God hides Himself-
Song of Solomon 2;9--''My beloved is like a roe or a young hart; behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.''
Yet, He reveals Himself to faith-
Romans 11;33-34--''O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God... how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.... For who hath known the mind of the Lord/ or who hath been his counsellor/''
The knowledge of man's depravity and redemption are the two hinges, on which, the whole structure of Regeneration, moves. . .
Now, as man's depravity cannot be understood without apprehending
Regeneration, so, Regeneration cannot be known, without a basic knowledge of Depravity.
Here, is where, the real problem lies.
[1.]Is man, in his lost condition, totally unable to do anything of a spiritual nature/
[2.]Is The New Birth wholly of God/
Now, to say that man, in his unregenerate condition, can repent and believe, is to deny Depravity.
Some ask, ''If one can't do these things, why is he thus commanded/''
A thief's inability to repay what he has stolen, doesn't affect the
Right, of the person, he has deprived.
Neither does man's inability, because of The Fall, affect God's Right to command.
God has the right, to demand the sinner to repent and to believe.
However, the sinner, has made himself, unable to do so, by his complicity with Adam in original sin--Romans 5;12.
Each man shall give an account of himself to God.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Three
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Three
Last time we stated that those who teach Baptismal Regeneration willfully and continually pervert John 3;5.
Now, in refuting the heresy, we must distinguish between birth and burial--Romans 6;4--
''Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.''
Now this proves The New Birth is the subject of John 3;1-13.
It is commonly asked by those, who believe in Baptismal Regeneration, ''If Jesus didn't mean water, why did He say water/''
My reply is, ''If Jesus meant baptism, why didn't He say baptism/''
Christ didn't say, ''Except ye be baptized of [ek] water,'' in john 3;5.
A repentant sinner is said to be baptized in [en] water--
Matthew 3;11.
Baptism is never expressed by water only, without additional words added to show the ordinance of baptism is intended.
John 4;2--''Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples''.
Acts 2;38-41--[Turn]
Acts 8;36-37--''And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized/ And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.''
Acts 9;18--And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given; he offered them money.''
Acts 10;44-48--[Turn].
Water in the baptistry is as impotent to regenerate a man, as the water in Jacob's Well--
John 4;13-14--''Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.''
Life-Giving water is the gift of God.
Now, there are 4 things, we must observe about this gift--
Number 1--THE GIVER--''I shall give him''.
Number 2--THE HABITATION--''The water that i shall give him shall be in him.''
Hence, it is internal, not external.
Number 3--THE FUNCTION--''A well of water springing up''
Conversion experiences arise from the indwelling Principle of Life.
Number 4--THE PURPOSE--''Into everlasting life''.
The difference between grace and glory is this;
Grace is glory in the bud;
Glory is grace in the flower.
The Christian has something of Heaven now.
God purifies the stream, by regenerating the fountain.
Water baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh--I Peter 3;19-21--[Turn].
The New Birth is an inward cleansing, by The Holy Spirit. It is the washing of Regeneration--
Titus 3;5--[Turn].
Regeneration is an inward work of grace; baptism is an outward work of man.
Regeneration is the inward and immediate work of The Spirit;
Baptism is the mediate symbol of inward cleansing applied externally. The Religion of most people is only external.
Those who hold to Baptismal Regeneration are of the same order, as the Pharisees.
Matthew 23;23-27=The outward righteousness of man is of no value, until the heart is first made pure.
Good works follow salvation by grace--HEBREWS 9;14; EPHESIANS 2;8-10.
Thus, ''born of water and spirit'' no more means Baptismal Regeneration, than eating Christ's flesh means transubstantiation; then the Lord's Supper.
we shall continu next time, on Regeneration is a necessity.
Last time we stated that those who teach Baptismal Regeneration willfully and continually pervert John 3;5.
Now, in refuting the heresy, we must distinguish between birth and burial--Romans 6;4--
''Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.''
Now this proves The New Birth is the subject of John 3;1-13.
It is commonly asked by those, who believe in Baptismal Regeneration, ''If Jesus didn't mean water, why did He say water/''
My reply is, ''If Jesus meant baptism, why didn't He say baptism/''
Christ didn't say, ''Except ye be baptized of [ek] water,'' in john 3;5.
A repentant sinner is said to be baptized in [en] water--
Matthew 3;11.
Baptism is never expressed by water only, without additional words added to show the ordinance of baptism is intended.
John 4;2--''Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples''.
Acts 2;38-41--[Turn]
Acts 8;36-37--''And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized/ And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.''
Acts 9;18--And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given; he offered them money.''
Acts 10;44-48--[Turn].
Water in the baptistry is as impotent to regenerate a man, as the water in Jacob's Well--
John 4;13-14--''Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.''
Life-Giving water is the gift of God.
Now, there are 4 things, we must observe about this gift--
Number 1--THE GIVER--''I shall give him''.
Number 2--THE HABITATION--''The water that i shall give him shall be in him.''
Hence, it is internal, not external.
Number 3--THE FUNCTION--''A well of water springing up''
Conversion experiences arise from the indwelling Principle of Life.
Number 4--THE PURPOSE--''Into everlasting life''.
The difference between grace and glory is this;
Grace is glory in the bud;
Glory is grace in the flower.
The Christian has something of Heaven now.
God purifies the stream, by regenerating the fountain.
Water baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh--I Peter 3;19-21--[Turn].
The New Birth is an inward cleansing, by The Holy Spirit. It is the washing of Regeneration--
Titus 3;5--[Turn].
Regeneration is an inward work of grace; baptism is an outward work of man.
Regeneration is the inward and immediate work of The Spirit;
Baptism is the mediate symbol of inward cleansing applied externally. The Religion of most people is only external.
Those who hold to Baptismal Regeneration are of the same order, as the Pharisees.
Matthew 23;23-27=The outward righteousness of man is of no value, until the heart is first made pure.
Good works follow salvation by grace--HEBREWS 9;14; EPHESIANS 2;8-10.
Thus, ''born of water and spirit'' no more means Baptismal Regeneration, than eating Christ's flesh means transubstantiation; then the Lord's Supper.
we shall continu next time, on Regeneration is a necessity.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part Two
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--PART TWO
John 3;1-13
Nicodemus could never expect to enter the Kingdom, though he was of the natural seed of
Abraham, except by The New Birth.
Regeneration would make him, an heir of the Kingdom, and then, enable him, to see it, by faith.
Knowledge of religious subjects may be possessed, apart from Regeneration. Nicodemus had knowledge of the Kingdom, but he lacked Grace.
But his ignorance of Regeneration did not alter the meaning of The Kingdom Old Testament
Prophecy. The Kingdom of Christ will be different from both His control of the Church, as her Head, and His sovereign, providential rule, over the universe.
Now, if The Kingdom of Prophecy were in existence now, The Knowledge of The Lord would cover the Earth, as waters cover The Sea.
Christ's reign in The Kingdom will be visible.
His Heir-ship of the Church, and His sovereign action in providence are both invisible. The
World knows nothing about Headship and Sovereignty, and this Age could care less, about what
God is doing.
The time will come, however, when all shall acknowledge Christ's Lordship. This will be, when He reigns visibly, on The Earth--[Philippians 2;9-11].
Those, Who believe, The Kingdom should be interpreted Eschatogically, are accused of carnalizing that, which should be spiritual.
Such a charge makes as much sense, as saying the human nature of Christ, detracts from the spirituality of His Person.
The Kingdom, when it is established, will be thoroughly spiritual.
The Lord Jesus Christ, in answering Nicodemus' question, as to how The New Birth takes place, repeats the necessity of Regeneration--[John 3;5].
Now Baptismal Regeneration is as far removed from John 3;5, as Hell is from Heaven.
There's as much similarity between Regeneration [The Spirit's immediate work in the soul] and
Baptismal Regeneration [man's mediate work, by use of water] as there is between light and darkness.
If it were not for the heresy, applied to this verse, we would have no need, for such a discussion.
But when willful and persistent distortion of the verse continues, the man of God must expose this evil doctrine.
Jeremiah 5;31--''The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof/''
Jeremiah 6;30--''Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.''
Now, as there is no real value in reprobate silver, so there is no spiritual value in these teachers--
[WE SHALL CONTINUE LOOKING AT THIS HERESY IN OUR NEXT BLOG.]
Paul W. Foltz
John 3;1-13
Nicodemus could never expect to enter the Kingdom, though he was of the natural seed of
Abraham, except by The New Birth.
Regeneration would make him, an heir of the Kingdom, and then, enable him, to see it, by faith.
Knowledge of religious subjects may be possessed, apart from Regeneration. Nicodemus had knowledge of the Kingdom, but he lacked Grace.
But his ignorance of Regeneration did not alter the meaning of The Kingdom Old Testament
Prophecy. The Kingdom of Christ will be different from both His control of the Church, as her Head, and His sovereign, providential rule, over the universe.
Now, if The Kingdom of Prophecy were in existence now, The Knowledge of The Lord would cover the Earth, as waters cover The Sea.
Christ's reign in The Kingdom will be visible.
His Heir-ship of the Church, and His sovereign action in providence are both invisible. The
World knows nothing about Headship and Sovereignty, and this Age could care less, about what
God is doing.
The time will come, however, when all shall acknowledge Christ's Lordship. This will be, when He reigns visibly, on The Earth--[Philippians 2;9-11].
Those, Who believe, The Kingdom should be interpreted Eschatogically, are accused of carnalizing that, which should be spiritual.
Such a charge makes as much sense, as saying the human nature of Christ, detracts from the spirituality of His Person.
The Kingdom, when it is established, will be thoroughly spiritual.
The Lord Jesus Christ, in answering Nicodemus' question, as to how The New Birth takes place, repeats the necessity of Regeneration--[John 3;5].
Now Baptismal Regeneration is as far removed from John 3;5, as Hell is from Heaven.
There's as much similarity between Regeneration [The Spirit's immediate work in the soul] and
Baptismal Regeneration [man's mediate work, by use of water] as there is between light and darkness.
If it were not for the heresy, applied to this verse, we would have no need, for such a discussion.
But when willful and persistent distortion of the verse continues, the man of God must expose this evil doctrine.
Jeremiah 5;31--''The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof/''
Jeremiah 6;30--''Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.''
Now, as there is no real value in reprobate silver, so there is no spiritual value in these teachers--
[WE SHALL CONTINUE LOOKING AT THIS HERESY IN OUR NEXT BLOG.]
Paul W. Foltz
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--Part One
REGENERATION IS A NECESSITY--PART ONE
JOHN 3;1-13
Seeing and entering the Kingdom must be preceded by Regeneration.
The Kingdom in John 3;3, 5, does not pertain to the science of Salvation.
Nicodemus was perplexed about the way of entrance into the Kingdom, and the Lord's reply was a rebuke, rather than a definition--
''Art thou a master of Israel, and knoweth not these things/'' [John 3;10].
This rebuke makes no sense, without the kingdom announced, being that of Old Testament
prophecy.
The Lord appeared to Nicodemus, on the basis, that he ought to know these things, because of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Sprinkling with ''clean water'', obtaining of the ''new Spirit,'' and ''raising of the dead'' are all represented, as essential, to the introduction, of the Kingdom, and Its blessings.
Regeneration qualifies a person for the Kingdom. Through Regeneration and Conversion, the believer becomes the heir of the Kingdom.
James 2;5--'' Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love Him/''
An heir is One, who is entitled to something promised. Heir-ship is the consequence of faith, and faith is the fruit of election.
Election to grace is signified in faith, and predestination to Glory is denoted in Heir-ship--
Romans 8;29--[Turn].
The believer, through much suffering, shall enter into the Kingdom [Acts 14;22].
The Kingdom cannot fail, because it was prepared for the heir, from the foundation of the
World [Matthew 25;34].
The Kingdom is sure to all believers, whether in Heaven, or, on Earth. However its realization awaits Christ's second coming in Glory.
The Patriarchs all died in faith, not having received the promises [Hebrews 11;39-40].
Through the eyes of faith [Hebrews 11;13] they saw the Kingdom afar off, for faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Nicodemus in the same manner, would see the Kingdom of God as his inheritance. Thus, seeing by faith precedes entering the Kingdom.
we will continue on in our next post.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
REGENERATION PRECEDES GOSPEL INFLUENCE
In our last post we saw that Regeneration presupposes depravity, today, we want to see that;
''REGENERATION PRECEDES THE SANCTIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE GOSPEL''.
Now get this truth; The New Birth is not accomplished by the preaching of the
Gospel.
In John 3, gospel light had no more attraction for Nicodemus, than sunlight attracts a blind man.
The good news of Christ's Person and Work is spiritual, but the natural man can't understand spiritual things [I Corinthians 2;14].
Nicodemus' question in John 3;4 proves he was yet, a natural man.
Regeneration precedes the sanctifying influence of the gospel, to render the light of Gospel Truth effective.
What is good news to a dead man/
As light cannot restore sight to a blind man, so the light of the Gospel cannot give spiritual light, to the spiritually blind.
Some hold that life is contained in the seed of the Word. Their proof text is
Hebrews 4;12. . .
This verse cannot be properly ascribed, to the word of the Gospel.
The word of the gospel is the instrumental means of conversion, not regeneration.
The context of Hebrews 4;12 shows that The Word refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The exhortation is based upon His infinite understanding [verse 13].
The all-seeing eye of Jesus Christ, not the word of the gospel, penetrates every thought and action of man.
Jesus Christ, The Incarnate Word [Revelation 19;13], is the person, to whom the
Hebrew believers must give an account of their profession of faith and obedience.
The Word of preaching cannot discern the human heart.
This prerogative belongs to the persons of the Godhead.
Only the prepared soil [Matthew 13;1-4] understands, and bears fruit. Such preparation is accomplished by the Holy Spirit in Regeneration.
The Word of The Gospel is powerful; it convinces, converts, and sanctifies the regenerated Mind and Heart. Yet the power of God is not in the written Word itself.
One of the greatest blunders, is to make the new birth dependent on man's faith.
people who do this use James 1;18, and I Peter 1;23 as proof texts.
But the exegesis of the texts demands no such conclusion.
James 1;18 does not refer to begetting, or conception, but to the bringing forth, or giving birth. Immediate Regeneration doesn't deny that The New Birth, in which, life becomes manifest, is secured by response to The Gospel;
But distinction must be made between conception and birth.
They are not the same.
There are 2 prepositions in I Peter 1;23, that must be distinguished, before the verse can be understood.
The 1st is ''OF'' [EK=From out of-The Source] incorruptible seed.
This is not the instrument, but the source of Regeneration.
''By'', [DIA--Through the instrument] The Word of God is the 2nd. This shows,
God's Word is the source of conversion. not regeneration.
God's act of giving life to those, who are spiritually dead, is distinct from The
gospel, just as the faculty of sight is different from light.
Quickening is an immediate and creative act [Ephesians 2;1]. No instrumental means are used with God's creative act.
The Word doesn't produce life, but is effective in those who possess life.
Life responds to Divine things. Nicodemus was told he had to be born again, before
He can see.
Once the faculty of sight is given, the recipient is guided by the The Word to
Repentance and Faith.
Saving faith is the gift of God--Eph. 2;8;Phil. 1;29; Heb.12;2]
Distinction must be made between the faculty of faith and its exercise.
[1.] The faculty of faith [ability to embrace Christ] is implanted in the heart, in
Regeneration.
This is the immediate [without means], and sovereign work of The Holy Spirit.
[2.] The exercise of faith is wrought in conversion and sanctification, by the power of indwelling life.
Paul W. Foltz
''REGENERATION PRECEDES THE SANCTIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE GOSPEL''.
Now get this truth; The New Birth is not accomplished by the preaching of the
Gospel.
In John 3, gospel light had no more attraction for Nicodemus, than sunlight attracts a blind man.
The good news of Christ's Person and Work is spiritual, but the natural man can't understand spiritual things [I Corinthians 2;14].
Nicodemus' question in John 3;4 proves he was yet, a natural man.
Regeneration precedes the sanctifying influence of the gospel, to render the light of Gospel Truth effective.
What is good news to a dead man/
As light cannot restore sight to a blind man, so the light of the Gospel cannot give spiritual light, to the spiritually blind.
Some hold that life is contained in the seed of the Word. Their proof text is
Hebrews 4;12. . .
This verse cannot be properly ascribed, to the word of the Gospel.
The word of the gospel is the instrumental means of conversion, not regeneration.
The context of Hebrews 4;12 shows that The Word refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The exhortation is based upon His infinite understanding [verse 13].
The all-seeing eye of Jesus Christ, not the word of the gospel, penetrates every thought and action of man.
Jesus Christ, The Incarnate Word [Revelation 19;13], is the person, to whom the
Hebrew believers must give an account of their profession of faith and obedience.
The Word of preaching cannot discern the human heart.
This prerogative belongs to the persons of the Godhead.
Only the prepared soil [Matthew 13;1-4] understands, and bears fruit. Such preparation is accomplished by the Holy Spirit in Regeneration.
The Word of The Gospel is powerful; it convinces, converts, and sanctifies the regenerated Mind and Heart. Yet the power of God is not in the written Word itself.
One of the greatest blunders, is to make the new birth dependent on man's faith.
people who do this use James 1;18, and I Peter 1;23 as proof texts.
But the exegesis of the texts demands no such conclusion.
James 1;18 does not refer to begetting, or conception, but to the bringing forth, or giving birth. Immediate Regeneration doesn't deny that The New Birth, in which, life becomes manifest, is secured by response to The Gospel;
But distinction must be made between conception and birth.
They are not the same.
There are 2 prepositions in I Peter 1;23, that must be distinguished, before the verse can be understood.
The 1st is ''OF'' [EK=From out of-The Source] incorruptible seed.
This is not the instrument, but the source of Regeneration.
''By'', [DIA--Through the instrument] The Word of God is the 2nd. This shows,
God's Word is the source of conversion. not regeneration.
God's act of giving life to those, who are spiritually dead, is distinct from The
gospel, just as the faculty of sight is different from light.
Quickening is an immediate and creative act [Ephesians 2;1]. No instrumental means are used with God's creative act.
The Word doesn't produce life, but is effective in those who possess life.
Life responds to Divine things. Nicodemus was told he had to be born again, before
He can see.
Once the faculty of sight is given, the recipient is guided by the The Word to
Repentance and Faith.
Saving faith is the gift of God--Eph. 2;8;Phil. 1;29; Heb.12;2]
Distinction must be made between the faculty of faith and its exercise.
[1.] The faculty of faith [ability to embrace Christ] is implanted in the heart, in
Regeneration.
This is the immediate [without means], and sovereign work of The Holy Spirit.
[2.] The exercise of faith is wrought in conversion and sanctification, by the power of indwelling life.
Paul W. Foltz
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
REGENERATION PRESUPPOSES DEPRAVITY
Non-existent spiritual life cannot give being to itself. The new creature, therefore, cannot be the product of natural power.
The sinner is not regenerated by the combined efforts of God and man. There is no ''I will, if you will'' in Regeneration.
The day of Regeneration is solely the time of God's love and power [Ezekiel 16].
The ability to believe is not produced by the fire of man's own kindling.
A knowledge of spiritual things, in a natural way, only increases spiritual blindness [John 3;4].
In John 3, Nicodemus sat in subjective, not objective darkness. Darkness is the absence of light.
Objective darkness consists in the want of those means, whereby men may be enlightened in the knowledge of God.
Subjective darkness connotes the disabilty to comprehend light. It can be only dispersed by the
Holy Spirit in Regeneration and Calling [I Peter 2;9; Ephesians 5;8; John 8;12].
Nicodemus, as all un-regenerated men need the subjective light, given in regeneration to see the
Kingdom of God
Paul W. Foltz
The sinner is not regenerated by the combined efforts of God and man. There is no ''I will, if you will'' in Regeneration.
The day of Regeneration is solely the time of God's love and power [Ezekiel 16].
The ability to believe is not produced by the fire of man's own kindling.
A knowledge of spiritual things, in a natural way, only increases spiritual blindness [John 3;4].
In John 3, Nicodemus sat in subjective, not objective darkness. Darkness is the absence of light.
Objective darkness consists in the want of those means, whereby men may be enlightened in the knowledge of God.
Subjective darkness connotes the disabilty to comprehend light. It can be only dispersed by the
Holy Spirit in Regeneration and Calling [I Peter 2;9; Ephesians 5;8; John 8;12].
Nicodemus, as all un-regenerated men need the subjective light, given in regeneration to see the
Kingdom of God
Paul W. Foltz
Friday, March 28, 2008
25 Arguments
Previously, We stated that Regeneration is the first work of Grace in the application of
Redemption.
We want now to set forth 25 arguments, why this is so.
1. Regeneration is the implanting of the principle of life, by which the effectual call is heard, and
Christ is recognized--Proverbs 20;12.
An unregenerate person is spiritually deaf and blind.
2. Every operation of Saving Grace must be preceded by a quickening of the sinner--Ephesians
2;1. This quickening unstops deaf ears, and opens blind eyes.
3. Sinners need nothing to predispose them, for the implanting of new life; it is God, Who
quickens
4. God's act of calling life to the spiritually dead, is distinct from the call of the gospel, just as the
faculty of seeing is different from light.
5. Regeneration is an immediate, creative act of God, and no instrument, or secondary causes are
connected with it.
6. He that is effectually called, must be able to ''hear'' and ''come'' to Christ, and he is made able
by Regeneration.
7. The effectual call addresses itself to conscious life, is the call without. Regeneration comes from
within.
8. The spiritual ability of faith is implanted in Regeneration; but it is exercised in conversion.
Faith is God's gift. [Philippians 1;29; Ephesians 2;8; 2 Thessalonians 3;2.
9. Regeneration changes the soil of the heart, before the Word of the gospel finds lodging--
Matthew 13;4-9, 18-23.
People may have human understanding of Divine things.
10. Regeneration gives sight to the spiritually blind [What is light to the blind/]
11. The work of the Spirit in Regeneration cannot be resisted--John 3;8; Romans 9;19;
Ephesians 1;18-20.
12. The will of the sinner in the 1st act of Conversion, does not move to embrace Jesus Christ,
except as he moves in the power of the regenerating Spirit.
There is an inward secret act of the Holy Spirit effecting with him, the will of conversion unto
God.
13. The sinner has no potential power, other than the active power of God's Spirit in
Regeneration.
There must be a new heart, a new will, or, new birth, before Repentance and Faith.
14. God's power works in Regeneration, not upon the truth, but upon the sinner. God cannot
make the truth more true.
Power comes from the Holy Spirit, whose instrument is the Word of God.
15. In Regeneration, God gives understanding too the mind, that has no understanding of
spiritual things. I Corinthians 2;12-14.
By his fall, man lost the ability, to understand spiritual things.
The understanding, God gives, is A Revelation-- I John 5;20; Matthew 16;17.
This understanding is subjective, enabling one to know, what is revealed--Ephesians 4;23;
Colossians 3;10; 2 Corinthians 4;6.
16. Regeneration is a Divine quickening, that makes the soul, a fit subject for calling, and a proper
subject for conversion.
17. It is the fountain, from which, a life of holiness is carried on in sanctification, and perfected in
Glorification.
18. Regeneration takes place, in the sphere of man's unconsciousness, I.E. Outside the sphere of
conscious attention.
The gospel addresses itself to the consciousness of man.
19. In God's light [Regeneration] shall the Regenerate see light--Psalm 36;9.
Only in the Spirit's light, can the sinner see Christ, the Light of the World.
20. Christians can know nothing, by the observation of his own beginnings in Regeneration
21. Regeneration is the conception of new life. The effectual call is the bringing forth of that life,
by Divine summons, into the light of the Gospel.
22. There is a great difference in how the Spirit works, before and after Regeneration. Before
Regeneration, He works upon sinners, as dead creatures that work not with Him; after
regeneration, He works in their souls, prompting and assisting them to work. Romans 8;
26; Philippians 2;12-13.
The Spirit's sanctifying influence remains forever, in the souls of the regenerate; consolation
belongs to their well-being.
In Regeneration, they are positionally fixed; whereas, in sanctification, they vary in their
condition of life.
Regeneration assures of heaven; progressive sanctification brings a foretaste of Heaven, to
the regenerated on earth.
23. The whole change in sinful man from regeneration and its subsequent results-conversion and
sanctification--is by the power of God's Spirit--Ephesians 1;19
There is no conflict between regeneration by the Spirit and justification through faith, when
faith is understood to be the ''gift of God.''
24. Regeneration subjectively considered, is not an act performed by the sinner. Did Lazarus
raise himself from the dead/
25. Regeneration of the soul, doesn't change the chemistry of the Body. It does not cancel
physical death. The body dies mortally.
Thus, WE CONCLUDE THAT REGENERATION IS GRACE'S FIRST STEP IN THE
APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION.
PAUL FOLTZ
Redemption.
We want now to set forth 25 arguments, why this is so.
1. Regeneration is the implanting of the principle of life, by which the effectual call is heard, and
Christ is recognized--Proverbs 20;12.
An unregenerate person is spiritually deaf and blind.
2. Every operation of Saving Grace must be preceded by a quickening of the sinner--Ephesians
2;1. This quickening unstops deaf ears, and opens blind eyes.
3. Sinners need nothing to predispose them, for the implanting of new life; it is God, Who
quickens
4. God's act of calling life to the spiritually dead, is distinct from the call of the gospel, just as the
faculty of seeing is different from light.
5. Regeneration is an immediate, creative act of God, and no instrument, or secondary causes are
connected with it.
6. He that is effectually called, must be able to ''hear'' and ''come'' to Christ, and he is made able
by Regeneration.
7. The effectual call addresses itself to conscious life, is the call without. Regeneration comes from
within.
8. The spiritual ability of faith is implanted in Regeneration; but it is exercised in conversion.
Faith is God's gift. [Philippians 1;29; Ephesians 2;8; 2 Thessalonians 3;2.
9. Regeneration changes the soil of the heart, before the Word of the gospel finds lodging--
Matthew 13;4-9, 18-23.
People may have human understanding of Divine things.
10. Regeneration gives sight to the spiritually blind [What is light to the blind/]
11. The work of the Spirit in Regeneration cannot be resisted--John 3;8; Romans 9;19;
Ephesians 1;18-20.
12. The will of the sinner in the 1st act of Conversion, does not move to embrace Jesus Christ,
except as he moves in the power of the regenerating Spirit.
There is an inward secret act of the Holy Spirit effecting with him, the will of conversion unto
God.
13. The sinner has no potential power, other than the active power of God's Spirit in
Regeneration.
There must be a new heart, a new will, or, new birth, before Repentance and Faith.
14. God's power works in Regeneration, not upon the truth, but upon the sinner. God cannot
make the truth more true.
Power comes from the Holy Spirit, whose instrument is the Word of God.
15. In Regeneration, God gives understanding too the mind, that has no understanding of
spiritual things. I Corinthians 2;12-14.
By his fall, man lost the ability, to understand spiritual things.
The understanding, God gives, is A Revelation-- I John 5;20; Matthew 16;17.
This understanding is subjective, enabling one to know, what is revealed--Ephesians 4;23;
Colossians 3;10; 2 Corinthians 4;6.
16. Regeneration is a Divine quickening, that makes the soul, a fit subject for calling, and a proper
subject for conversion.
17. It is the fountain, from which, a life of holiness is carried on in sanctification, and perfected in
Glorification.
18. Regeneration takes place, in the sphere of man's unconsciousness, I.E. Outside the sphere of
conscious attention.
The gospel addresses itself to the consciousness of man.
19. In God's light [Regeneration] shall the Regenerate see light--Psalm 36;9.
Only in the Spirit's light, can the sinner see Christ, the Light of the World.
20. Christians can know nothing, by the observation of his own beginnings in Regeneration
21. Regeneration is the conception of new life. The effectual call is the bringing forth of that life,
by Divine summons, into the light of the Gospel.
22. There is a great difference in how the Spirit works, before and after Regeneration. Before
Regeneration, He works upon sinners, as dead creatures that work not with Him; after
regeneration, He works in their souls, prompting and assisting them to work. Romans 8;
26; Philippians 2;12-13.
The Spirit's sanctifying influence remains forever, in the souls of the regenerate; consolation
belongs to their well-being.
In Regeneration, they are positionally fixed; whereas, in sanctification, they vary in their
condition of life.
Regeneration assures of heaven; progressive sanctification brings a foretaste of Heaven, to
the regenerated on earth.
23. The whole change in sinful man from regeneration and its subsequent results-conversion and
sanctification--is by the power of God's Spirit--Ephesians 1;19
There is no conflict between regeneration by the Spirit and justification through faith, when
faith is understood to be the ''gift of God.''
24. Regeneration subjectively considered, is not an act performed by the sinner. Did Lazarus
raise himself from the dead/
25. Regeneration of the soul, doesn't change the chemistry of the Body. It does not cancel
physical death. The body dies mortally.
Thus, WE CONCLUDE THAT REGENERATION IS GRACE'S FIRST STEP IN THE
APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION.
PAUL FOLTZ
what is regeneration/
Before we properly with the subject of regeneration, we must get rid of the rubbish of religious opinion and terminology.
Let's notice what the new birth is not;
1. It is not experimental--The creative act of the Holy Spirit in the soul is instantaneous.
thus regeneration takes place in the sphere of the sub-consciousness.
Regeneration is compared to conception in the womb, rather than the bringing forth of life in birth.
Thus as conception comes before birth, so regeneration comes before conversion [I John 3;9; I Peter 1;23].
2. It does not depend on repentance and faith.
Repentance and faith are the fruit of regeneration, which is the tree.
Fruit does not bear the tree.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH DO NOT BEAR REGENERATION [Acts 11;18; Ephesians 2;8]
3. It is not contingent on the word of the gospel.
Just as darkness has no disposition to receive light, so the unregenerate man has no disposition to receive the gospel.
Light shines in darkness, but the darkness comprehends it not [John 1;5].
THERE'S A DISTINCTION BETWEEN A CREATIVE ACT, AND THE WORD OF PREACHING.
4. It does not rely upon the sinner taking the 1st step by manifesting a willingness to receive Christ.
Who can will/ John 5;40-''And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.''
Disease is in the will, thus the will cannot provide a cure.
5. It is not preceded by Divine conviction.
the outward preaching of God's Word alone, does not bring about conviction.
Conviction is of God.
The indwelling Spirit in the regenerate is necessary to apply the External word, or, the subjective Spirit is required to apply the objective word [John 16;8-11].
6. It is not prefaced by the effectual call.
Calling is God's summons, appealing to the principle of life that causes the will to act.
The one called must be able to hear, and come to Christ, and is made able in regeneration.
Regeneration
1. Presupposes Depravity
2. Precedes the sanctifying influence of the gospel.
3. Is a necessity.
4. I s the creative act of God
5. The Holy Spirit is its agent
6. Union with God is the result.
7. Is the impartation of the principle of spiritual life
8. Jesus Christ is the revealer of it
9. Is the 1st work of grace in redemption's application.
PW Foltz
Let's notice what the new birth is not;
1. It is not experimental--The creative act of the Holy Spirit in the soul is instantaneous.
thus regeneration takes place in the sphere of the sub-consciousness.
Regeneration is compared to conception in the womb, rather than the bringing forth of life in birth.
Thus as conception comes before birth, so regeneration comes before conversion [I John 3;9; I Peter 1;23].
2. It does not depend on repentance and faith.
Repentance and faith are the fruit of regeneration, which is the tree.
Fruit does not bear the tree.
REPENTANCE AND FAITH DO NOT BEAR REGENERATION [Acts 11;18; Ephesians 2;8]
3. It is not contingent on the word of the gospel.
Just as darkness has no disposition to receive light, so the unregenerate man has no disposition to receive the gospel.
Light shines in darkness, but the darkness comprehends it not [John 1;5].
THERE'S A DISTINCTION BETWEEN A CREATIVE ACT, AND THE WORD OF PREACHING.
4. It does not rely upon the sinner taking the 1st step by manifesting a willingness to receive Christ.
Who can will/ John 5;40-''And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.''
Disease is in the will, thus the will cannot provide a cure.
5. It is not preceded by Divine conviction.
the outward preaching of God's Word alone, does not bring about conviction.
Conviction is of God.
The indwelling Spirit in the regenerate is necessary to apply the External word, or, the subjective Spirit is required to apply the objective word [John 16;8-11].
6. It is not prefaced by the effectual call.
Calling is God's summons, appealing to the principle of life that causes the will to act.
The one called must be able to hear, and come to Christ, and is made able in regeneration.
Regeneration
1. Presupposes Depravity
2. Precedes the sanctifying influence of the gospel.
3. Is a necessity.
4. I s the creative act of God
5. The Holy Spirit is its agent
6. Union with God is the result.
7. Is the impartation of the principle of spiritual life
8. Jesus Christ is the revealer of it
9. Is the 1st work of grace in redemption's application.
PW Foltz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
