Subject: eph 1:4-5 what is predestination, chosen |
Bible Note: Mark This is an old controversy and I don't really want to spend much more time debating it. In my view regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit which is logically prior to faith, repentance and assurance of salvation, though as Doc has reminded us it may often be virtually indistinguishable chronologically. I just don't see how a person who is by nature at enmity with God can turn to God unless his nature has been changed. The conscious receiving of the Spirit (Acts 2:28)certainly follows repentance and faith, but there must be a work of God in the soul before repentance and faith can take place. I fear that we might debate this forever and I'm sure it must have come up on previous occasions so having clearly stated my position I am happy to bow out of the debate at this point. I am still uncertain about the exact timing of Cornelius' regeneration - which is what started our discussion off! May the Lord continue to bless us and guide us into all the truth. Apllos |