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NASB | John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-- [Is 56:5] |
Subject: Are we presenting the gospel scripturaly |
Bible Note: Dear Brother Mark, Special revelation is the Word of God. It is only really understood by the regenerate (1 Corinthians 2:14) and by the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; Hebrews 10:32; Ephesians 5:14; Acts 26:23, etc.). Regeneration is, indeed, the "new birth!" That's exactly what the word means. :-) With regard to the publican, his regeneration would have had to have already occurred for him to have made his appeal to God. His faith and repentance were expressed in Luke 18:12 and we are told his justification had taken place by the time he left the temple (Luke 18:13). I define and discuss regeneration in orthodox theology in my posts on the ordo salutis starting with post #151193. But I speak specifically about regeneration in post #151466. Here's some great quotes, though: "Regeneration is the spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his/her inherently sinful nature is changed so that he/she can respond to God in Faith, and live in accordance with His Will (Matt. 19:28; John 3:3,5,7; Titus 3:5). It is an inner re-creating of fallen human nature by the gracious sovereign action of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8). This change is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. It originates not with man but with God (John 1:12, 13; 1 John 2:29; 5:1, 4). It extends to the whole nature of man, altering his governing disposition, illuminating his mind, freeing his will, and renewing his nature." --J. I. Packer "When a man is converted to God, it is done in a moment. Regeneration is an instantaneous work. Conversion to God, the fruit of regeneration, occupies all our life, but regeneration itself is effected in an instant. A man hates God -- the Holy Spirit makes him love God. A man is opposed to Christ, he hates his gospel, does not understand it and will not receive it -- the Holy Spirit comes, puts light into his darkened understanding, takes the chain from his bondaged will, gives liberty to his conscience, gives life to his dead soul, so that the voice of conscience is heard, and the man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus.And all this is done, mark you, by the instantaneous supernatural influence of God the Holy Spirit working as he wills among the sons of men." --Charles H. Spurgeon It would presumptuous of me to postulate how our views of regeneration might differ. You've been known to surprise me. :-) In Him, Doc |