John 1
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
- "not of blood": God produces His own children; He has no grandchildren. A man's bloodline is irrelevant in this matter.
- "nor the will of the flesh": the will of a man in his native state is in enmity against God; he is utterly unable to aid in any way towards his new birth. A man's own will is more than worthless in his new birth.
- "nor the will of man": the will of man, of any fellow human, is completely ruled out too, even that of the most eloquent preachers, erudite theologians, devoted parents, etc.
The new birth is solely, wholly and completely by the free and sovereign act of God ALONE, yes, alone. The human role is absolutely and thoroughly excluded. This statement of exclusion will infuriate many!
But many, both Arminians and their cousins Calvinists, insist on the will of man being involved in the regeneration of sinners dead in trespasses and sins, in the form of preachers and their preaching, as being absolutely necessary means in regeneration. Their mantra is, no preaching, no regeneration; preaching and regeneration are two sides of the same coin, along with the fable that regeneration and conversion are two sides of the coin, they are inseparable twins.
Of them, Paul would say,
"But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant." 1Co 14:38
Initially posted here:
