Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:08 — 31.9MB)
Subscribe: RSS
This message is a continuation of the previous week. The outlines are identical.
John 3:3-8
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching…” The word teaching can also be translated “doctrine.” Wayne Grudem defines doctrine as, “what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic.” The study of just one doctrine at a time is called systematic theology. By studying Biblical doctrines individually, we are not only able to see how God teaches us that doctrine throughout Scripture; we are also able to learn how that doctrine functions as a necessary part or “ingredient” in our lives. We are studying the doctrine of regeneration. I am using Wayne Grudem’s outline because I like the way he so clearly explains the doctrine. He defines regeneration is a secret act of God in which He imparts (freely gives) new spiritual life to us.”
First, regeneration is: TOTALLY THE WORK OF GOD! Read John 1:9-13. Don’t miss that last phrase – everything that happens in verses 12 and 13 happens because God wills – or desires, or wants – it to happen. For anyone, anywhere who receives Christ as Savior, God then, immediately, instantly, regenerates, freely gives them new spiritual life! Read John 3:5-8; Eph. 2:4, 5 and 1 Peter 1:3; and you will see Scripture teaches that both God the Father and God the Holy Spirit bring about our regeneration.
There are some wonderful truths because regeneration is totally the work of God:
- Proves salvation must be a free gift of God’s grace. The Bible clearly teaches that all people everywhere are born dead in sin. To me the simplest and clearest proof that regeneration must find its origin in God’s grace is because dead people can’t do anything! If God doesn’t take the initiative, you will always be dead.
- That “regeneration is totally the work of God” provides security that cannot be broken! Paul tells us in the closing verses of Romans 8:28-33. Therefore because the new life we have is solely dependent upon God we can find great comfort that no matter what we do we cannot interrupt, cripple, or eliminate – even by mistake – the new life God gives to us in salvation.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
