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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 Tim, to my knowledge, there is not a particular verse that states directly that regeneraation occurs prior to or subseuent to belief. However, their is a body of text upon which we may deduce that regeneration is the Spirit's ministry which He performs according to the will of the Father. Regeneration by J.I. Packer 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. What had always puzzled me is how it is that one person becomes cognizant of his fallen nature but another (such as the Pharisee) remains in the dark. Scripture teaches us that prior to regeneration, all men are dead in trespasses ans sin (Eph 2:1); that they are carnal creatures Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Therefore, an outside agency (by necessity) must be involved! Yet the majority of evangelicals in America believe that the sinner is not "so" dead that he cannot save himself through an act of his own will cooperating with God's will. That God does His work, but until the sinner approves the proposition by believing, God's plan for him/her is suspended. The alternative to self-help salvation is the Soverign election and calling of God. But this is anathema to many professing christians. To them it seems unfair. The reason I can be so bold to say what I have said is because I have been told by them why they reject the alternative. I also know it from personal experience, having had the same feelings myself at one time. John |