Introduction• Is there a genuine difference?

“When those outside the church see no difference in our lives they begin to

question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God.”

– Francis Chan

“Regeneration is the miraculous transformation of the individual and

implantation of spiritual energy.” –MJ Erickson

Introduction• Two key clarifications:– The Spirit is the AGENT of regeneration, not man.– Salvation, by grace through faith, is the MEANS

of regeneration, not the sacraments.

NATURE• Deity• Personal

WORKS

Work of the Spirit• The Spirit invites sinners to enter into a

personal relationship with God.– The term “seekers” is an appropriate Biblical

expression (1 Chr 28:9; Isa 55:6; Heb 11:6)

– Their seeking is a work of God (Rom 3:11; Eph 2:1)

– The Spirit woos and draws them by wonderful, irresistible grace (Jn 6:44, 12:32)

Work of the Spirit• The Spirit convicts sinners of their sins and

convinces them of their just end. (Jn 16:8-9)– Our sinfulness puts up an impenetrable barrier (Eph

2:12, 13, 17; Rom 3:9-20)

– We deserve to be separated forever from God (Rom 6:23; Mt 7:21-23)

– Not by works of righteousness (Gal 5:11; Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8-9) or superior intelligence (1 Cor 1:18, 2:14; 2 Cor 4:4)

– The Spirit uses His Word and His children to bring to conviction (Rom 1:16, 10:14, 17)

• “if conviction comes to an individual the Spirit must do it. … regeneration is the work of the Spirit, but we must sometimes let ourselves think that our clever or convincing presentations can convict. Not so. God must do even that.” – CC Ryrie

Work of the Spirit• The Spirit calls sinners to repentance and

waits for their response of faith.– It is a universal offer that not everyone responds

to (Lk 14:16-24; Jn 7:37; Rom 1:1; 8:28; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Pet 1:3, 10)

– This is a choice, not a forced decision or foregone conclusion (Acts 16:31; Jn 1:11-12)

– “Faith is not the cause of salvation. … Faith in Christ is not a work.” RP Lightner

• “Conviction, then offers proof, but odes not guarantee the truth will be accepted which is necessary for conversion.” -- CC Ryrie

Four Case Studies

• The rich young Ruler (Lk 18:18-27)

• Nicodemus (Jn 3:1:15)

• The crowd at Pentecost (Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 37)

• The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:34-40)

• “God did not demand simply belief in the ultimate triumph of good, or faith in the evangelical church, or even faith in his own existence and power. It is always faith in God’s Son as the divine substitute for sin’s penalty that results in God bringing life to the spiritually dead sinner.” RP Lightner

Work of the Spirit• The Spirit regenerates the believer instantly.

(Mt 19:28; Titus 3:5; Jn 3:5)– New nature (2 Cor 5:17)– New righteousness (Rom 6:18)– New life (1 Jn 3:9, 4:7, 5:1)– New destiny/destination (Phil 1:6; 1 Thes 2:12)

“Apart from the work of God the Spirit there would be no application of this great salvation to man’s needs. It is the third member of the Godhead who procures salvation

for all who believe.” -- Robert P Lightner

“Without the work of the Holy Spirit, there can be no conversion.”

-- MJ Erickson

“God regenerates (John 1:13) according to His will (James 1:18) through the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) when a person believes (1:12) the Gospel

as revealed in the Word (1 Peter 1:23).” – Charles C Ryrie

NATURE WORKSNEW! NEW!

Conclusions• Is there a genuine EVIDENT difference?

“The basic change in the direction of one’s life from an inclination toward sin to a positive

desire to live righteously is termed regeneration, or literally, new birth.”

– MJ Erickson

Conclusions• If the Spirit is …–DRAWING you, keep seeking.–CONVICTING you, confess your sins.–CALLING you, repent and believe.–REGENERATED you, live your new life.