The need for Salvation Part 6 Regeneration and Conversion. Regeneration (Born Again) and conversion(Repentance) are Bible words. Both words identify a spiritual work in the child of God. However, they do not refer to the same thing. Regeneration is wholly of God. a) It is the Holy Spirit’s quickening work whereby spiritual life is given to the sinner “by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; b) The word comes from “re” meaning “again” and “generate” meaning “to beget or to give birth.” c) Jesus identified this work of God as being “born again”. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. d) The Bible is emphatic that God “of his own will begat” us. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.), Jesus claimed that He “quickeneth whom He will”. John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. e) Eternal life that is referred to as spiritual life, is God’s sovereign gift bestowed in regeneration. While invisible to men, this life is demonstrated by man’s response in conversion. Conversion is the response of the regenerated child of God to his Heavenly Father’s will and commandments. a. Conversion simply means to “turn” or “turn about.” Thus it was foretold of John the Baptist’s ministry, “and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God” Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. b. Those John turned are declared to be already related to “the Lord their God” but needed to turn about and obey Him. c. Jesus describes the Apostle Peter’s denial and recovery by saying, “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. d. James explains the departure of a Christian brother from the truth can be corrected if another “converteth the sinner from the error of his way” James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. e. Numerous exhortations and commandments are addressed to the saved, i.e., regenerated children of God, calling them from sin, error and ignorance to righteousness, truth and joyful assurance in fellowship with God (1 John 1:3, 7-9 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. f. A person’s conversion is usually in proportion to his understanding of and obedience to Bible truth. i. While regeneration is a once-for-all event, conversion will occur in steps depending upon one learning to follow God’s revealed will. ii. Regeneration is God’s work while conversion is Man’s response to God’s word. iii. The process of regeneration is One-time work of the Lord and result in Eternal life and Fellowship with the Lord while the conversion is a Repeated experience. iv. The regeneration is an Inward Work while the conversion is an Outward evidence. v. The regeneration is Completed at once while the conversion is Partial and in steps. 1) Salvation is “not of works”. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 2) Faith, love of brethren and righteous deeds all result because one “is born of God”. 1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 5:1-2 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3) An unsaved man cannot receive spiritual things, cannot please God He must be given spiritual life first. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 4) Men are eternally saved according to God’s will not according to man’s will John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 5) The gospel reveals the good news of salvation only to those who “are saved” thus bringing spiritual “life and immorality to light” as proof and assurance of God’s salvation 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 6) God’s salvation is a “free gift” without any conditions (Rom 5:15-18; 6:23! If God has given you a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 11:19-20; Ephesians 4:3-6) and written His laws in your heart (Romans 2:15), then you have been regenerated. This makes you accountable to obey God and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12-13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure”. Foes that will fight your efforts to obey God in true conversion will likely include your i. Deceitful heart (Jeremiah 17:9), ii. Your carnal flesh (Romans 8:7), iii. Your sinful lusts (1 Peter 2:11), iv. So-called friends (Proverbs 29:25) v. And Satan (1 Corinthians 11:3)
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 22:09:56 +0000
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