Subject: The New Birth - A Survey |
Bible Note: Greetings New Creature! I like Mark's response to the question. I don't think a simple 'active' or 'passive' will cut it. Certainly, Christ does everything in salvation. He paid the price. He forgives. He cleanses. He makes us new creatures (to use your screen name)! :-) Yet, the gift of salvation must also be accepted. Note what Rom. 5:17 says, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." We must receive god's provision of grace and the gift of righteousness in order to partake of it's benefits. To use a human analogy, if I buy a gift for my wife, she has 'done' nothing to deserve it. I bought it because I wanted to do so. I paid for it, not her. I picked it out, not her. I wrapped it, not her. I offered it to her. But, if she does not accept the gift, the gift will 'do' nothing for her. It simply sits in the box - unopened and unwanted. This is why I don't think and 'either or' answer is sufficient. We are commanded to 'believe' to 'receive', and to 'accept'. These are all 'active' voice commands. But, are 'action' only extends to accepting or rejecting the gift, not purchasing the gift. :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |