A biblical distinction is the essence of sound doctrine.
Rightly dividing the
word of truth is essential if the gospel truth is to be stated clearly.
[I saw the meme above here: https://www.facebook.com/.../a.714646.../889113734545721/...
When I saw it, it
had 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 falsehoods, 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.
------------
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 its divine purpose, i.e. irresistible.
Charles Page
Is conversion irresistible?
Sing
Yes, very much so.
Conversion is dependent upon many human factors.
Dellis Worsham Sr.
If conversion is
dependent on many human factors, how is it still irresistible?
Sing
Yes, resistible.
Thanks, Dellis.
Charles Page
Jones' positional
statement implies that conversion is irresistible - surely he claims
regeneration is irresistible
Dellis 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 realised 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 popular Calvinistic fable.
Sing
Jones' positional
statement implies that conversion is irresistible - surely he claims
regeneration is irresistible
-------------
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.
