249 – Calling – The Means of Regeneration

SEMESTER 4

249 – Calling – The Means of Regeneration

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 49
THE DOCTRINE OF CALLING
(THE MEANS OF REGENERATION)

INTRODUCTION:

In the previous lessons we studied regeneration, or the new birth, as to its definition and nature. In this lesson our objective is to view its means that is to say, we want to learn how it is accomplished. I remind you that this is a very practical study, for this reason: A major goal of evangelism is to have men genuinely experience the new birth. If we do not know the nature of it, we will not only practice false evangelism, we will neglect genuine evangelism.

I. THE MEANS OF REGENERATION NEGATIVELY CONSIDERED

1. It cannot be brought about by education or culture. (Jn. 3:6, I Cor. 2:14)

i. These things can only develop current material, they cannot create it.

2. It cannot be done by baptism as is taught by sacerdotalism.

i. There is no reasonable way in which water can remove sin.
ii. If the act appropriates the cleansing blood then salvation is by works.

Note: See Strong, top of page 287 in A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF BIBLE DOCTRINE by T. P. Simmons.

iii. Peter affirms that baptism does not eradicate sin. (I Pet. 3:20-22)

a) A good conscience toward God is one purged by the blood. (Heb. 9:14)
b) Until then the conscience is evil. (Heb. 10:22)
c) Once purged there is no more conscience of sin. (Heb. 10:2)
d) The man who has this good conscience will do nothing to be saved.

3. Jesus implies baptism is a work of righteousness, (Mat. 3:15) by which Paul denies we’re saved. (Titus. 3:5)
4. Faith, which necessitates regeneration, must precede baptism. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:37, Acts 19:1-5)
5. If one is in the faith, he is already saved. (Jn. 3:18, Jn. 5:24, I Jn. 5:1)
6. When faith is exercised, you know regeneration is complete. (Jn. 10:26-27)
7. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism.

i. He was to be in the Father’s presence.
ii. The idea that he was formerly baptized by John is totally unfounded.

II. THE MEANS OF REGENERATION POSITIVELY CONSIDERED

1. This work is done by the Holy Spirit.

i. Christ refers to this as being born of the Spirit. (Jn. 3:5-6)

2. There are two basic errors concerning this work of the Spirit.

i. That the Spirit works entirely apart from and independent of Scripture. This is the essence of hardshellism.
ii. That He works only indirectly, i.e., mediately never im­mediate­ly. This is the essence of Campbellism.
iii. The former denies the humanity of fallen men, the latter the fall.

3. The work is done by the Holy Spirit using the instrumentality of the word.

i. Instrumentality is clearly taught. (Jn. 3:5, Eph. 5:26, James 1:18, I Pet. 1:23, I Cor. 1:21,24, II Thes. 2:12-14)
iv. However, in the initial work, i.e., quickening, the Spirit operates alone.
v. It is by this quickening that one is enabled to come, believe, etc. (Jn. 6:37, 44, 45, 65)

Grateful acknowledgement: The basic direction and structure of this outline is attributed to Thomas Paul Simmons’s; able work in A SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF BIBLE DOCTRINE.