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I was a beneficiary of the
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https://www.facebook.com/sing.f.lau/posts/10212695475437260
November 13, 2018
A biblical distinction is an essence of
sound doctrine.
Rightly dividing the word of truth is
essential if the gospel truth is to be stated clearly.
[I saw the above meme here:
https://www.facebook.com/ReformedChristianVoiceRadio/posts/889113761212385
When I saw it, it has been liked and loved
193 times, and shared 113 times; if anyone has noticed the plain error, he has
chosen to keep quiet.]
The statement that "a man does not
become a Christian by making a decision" is wrong; it is plainly and
simply wrong. To say otherwise betrays ignorance or wooliness.
Important, and sometimes costly, decisions
are required for a man to become a Christian. He must decide to turn from the
lies and falsehood, traditions and superstitions, and to believe the gospel of
Jesus Christ that is proclaimed to him; he must decide to obey the divine
command to be baptised; he must decide, with all diligence to add to his faith
these... (1Pet 1:5-8). Otherwise, his profession of Christ loses all
credibility.
What is true is this, "A man does not
become a child of God by making a decision." To equate this statement with
this "A man does not become a Christian by making a decision" betrays
the wooliness and shallowness that prevails in Christendom.
A man, a regenerated man - yes, ONLY a man
born of God; yes, only a child of God no less, is capable of discerning and believing
the things of the Spirit (1Cor 2:14, John 3:3) - must make the momentous
decision to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and submit to believer's baptism
to earn the right to bear the name of Jesus Christ, i.e. in order to become a
Christian.
Cornelius was a child of God long before the
gospel was brought to him by Peter; he didn't make any decision to become a
child of God. His decision to believe after hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ
and submitting to water baptism made him a Christian.
Regeneration and Conversion are two distinct matters.
https://things-new-and-old.blogspot.com/2017/04/rightly-dividing-regeneration-and.html
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Comments
Charles
Page
What
if Cornelius refused to submit to Christ's salvation; would he still be
regenerated?
sing
Charles,
by Christ's salvation, I take it that you mean the eternal redemption secured
and accomplished for His people. That salvation is effectually applied EVERY
SINGLE TIME by the sovereign will and power of God upon an elect - in his
native state of sin and death, and in rebellion and enmity against God. It is
always effectual - accomplishing it's divine purpose, i.e. irresistible.
Charles
Page
Is
conversion irresistible?
sing
Yes,
very much so. Conversion is dependent upon many human factors.
Dellis
Layne Worsham Sr.
If
conversion is dependent on many human factors, how is it still irresistible?
sing
Yes,
resistable. Thanks, Dellis.
Charles
Page
Jones'
positional statement implies that conversion is irresistible - surely he claims
regeneration is irresistible
Dellis
Layne Worsham Sr.
If
we look at conversion being as irresistible and regeneration, there's too much
scripture that loses its harmony.
It
was when I realized that we do have a part in our conversion, that I fled
calvinism, like it was a fire that consumes.
sing
Charles
"... see to it that ... he believes in Him" - this is just a fable.
sing
Jones'
positional statement implies that conversion is irresistible - surely he claims
regeneration is irresistible
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To folks like Dr Lloyd-Jones, regeneration and conversion are two sides of the same coin, i.e. they are inseparable and simultaneous. They are diehard gospel regenerationists.
