Gospel
I was listening the other day on a radio program to the Bible answer man Hank Hannegraff and he was discussing the question with one of his callers, "Which comes first, faith or regeneration?"
It is an interesting question.
When we're born again as I understand it, we are first of all chosen by God the Father to salvation. This is what is called election, the sovereign electing grace of God which took place before the foundation of the world. We were chosen in him, that is in Christ, before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before him in love (Ephesians 1:4)
So we are chosen by God the Father. We are regenerated by the Spirit and we are given the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ to believe.
But which comes first?
Well, election precedes faith and regeneration. Now the Spirit regenerate us, makes our spirit alive, and works in us the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we believe on Christ. We believe the word of God. We trust him fully. It's not our faith as to origin. It's the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. it's a faith which works by love (Galatians 5:6)
Since the love comes not from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit, which is a fruit of the Spirit, it is all from God you see. SALVATION IS OF THE LORD Jonah 2:9.
So how can we take any credit for our salvation? We can't.
Arminianism teaches that we have a free will and that we can choose Christ. NO! Your will is not free to choose Christ in so far as determining your destiny or getting yourself saved or becoming born again.
It is a work of the Spirit that takes place WHEN and IF God so chooses. It leaves the sinner at the complete mercy of a sovereign, almighty God.
Carlton Pruitt ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor (SAG member)and junk removal expert he now spends most of his time studying the scriptures, writing articles, hymns and poems and doing street preaching. See his videos on www.YouTube.com LAStreetPreacher. CONTACT at [email protected]
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