248 – The Doctrine of Calling – The Inward Result – Regeneration (Cont.)

SEMESTER 3

248 – The Doctrine of Calling – The Inward Result – Regeneration (Cont.)

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY III LESSON # 48
THE DOCTRINE OF CALLING
(THE INWARD RESULT – REGENERATION) – CONTINUED

INTRODUCTION:

1. In the previous lesson we studied the inward result of calling (the New Birth, or regeneration) from a negative standpoint, i.e., what it is not.
2. In this lesson we shall look at it positively, i.e., what it is.
3. This is a supernatural work of God, done below consciousness, which essentially rectifies the corruption wrought in the fall.
4. Remember, this work rightly belongs to the biblical division of soteriological doctrine referred to as calling, as is the positive inward result, of that call.

I. IT IS THE WORK OF GOD

1. Common modern error is to give man a human formula for being born again.

III: This is as logical as telling an unborn child how to bring himself into the world.

2. John 1:13 tells us that this birth is not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man.
3. Nor should it ever be considered a co-operative effort.
4. Man neither disposes God to do this work nor assists Him in it. (Jn. 3:6, Jn. 6:44, Jn. 6:63)

II. IT IS A SUPERNATURAL WORK

1. By this, I mean it is not merely work ordained by God, but done by God directly.

III: Men are invited to turn to Christ (Rev. 22:17), yea commanded (Acts 17:30), yet none can. (Jn. 6:44)

2. It is thus a supernatural action of God whereby He:

i. Draws men to Himself. (Jn. 6:44-45)
ii. Opens hearts so they hear. (Acts 16:14)
iii. Shines light into the darkened heart. (II Cor. 4:6)
iv. Quickens the dead heart. (Eph. 2:1)
v. Raised us up from spiritual death. (Eph. 2:6)

III. IT IS AN INSTANTANEOUS WORK

1. I do not say that the indirect works of the Spirit, through the word, such as mental enlightenment and conviction (cutting to the heart, Acts 7:54) are instantaneous. They are often gradual, progressive and repetitive.
2. But the direct spiritual work of regeneration (pricking in the heart, Acts 2:37) is always so.
3. Not to see this will confound regeneration with preceding conviction, or resulting practical sanctification. See the notes of Strong and Simmons in A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine, page 282.
4. Any non-instantaneous view of regeneration will necessarily theorize an unregenerate believer, or a regenerated unbeliever, and scripture will not allow such a view.

IV. IT OCCURS IN THE SOUL BELOW CONSCIOUSNESS

1. A subconscious region of the human soul is a fact known even to shallow students of psychological behavior.
2. It accounts for temperament, amnesia, dreams, etc.
3. It is in this region where depravity reigns and where regeneration necessarily occurs.

III: The phenomenal change in Saul. (Acts. 9)

V. THIS WORK RECTIFIES THAT WHICH HAPPENED IN THE FALL (II COR. 5:17)

1. The fall brought about all manner of inordinate spiritual and physical impulses and appetites.
2. Even after regeneration the body remains the seat of those appetites. (Rom. 7:15-24)
3. Nevertheless, the soul is restored to spiritual harmony with God, in desire (Rom. 7:22) and also in the essence of our activity. (Eph. 2:8-10)

VI. REGENERATION INVOLVES REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN THE SOUL

1. It is true that in a sense these are fruits of, i.e., they are produced by regeneration.
2. However, they must not be seen merely as fruits, for a tree may exist without the immediate presence of fruit, but regeneration cannot exist without the immediate presence of repentance and faith.
3. Regeneration is the cause, repentance and faith are the effects, yet they are all absolutely inseparable, each is, in a sense, a part of the other.