May 1, 2008

Hendryx & Monergism's 'New Birth'

The web site, monergism.com, seems to be promoting the "three stage model" of the "new birth." In an article titled - "Biblical Regeneration and Affectional Theology" - by John Hendryx, the writer said:

I. Regeneration is described as a spiritual new birth.

1. This is affirmed in the following New Testament passages: John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; I Corinthians 4:15; Philemon 10; James 1:18; I Peter 1:3,23; I John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18.

2. The embryonic stage of regeneration is what is called "quickening", and it is the work of the Holy Spirit alone.

3. The final stage of regeneration is delivery or birth, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit in dependence upon the Word as a means. Consequently, the spiritual knowledge conferred by illumination is the spiritual content or revelation (holy Scripture).

4. J I Packer says, "Infants do not induce, or cooperate in, their own procreation and birth; no more can those who are 'dead in trespasses and sins' prompt the quickening operation of God's Spirit within them."

http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/spirit_affections.html

Where is any of this scriptural? Where is the "new birth" divided up into these stages?

Notice that Hendryx makes the "first stage" a work "without means," that is, without the gospel or word of God.

This is the same view that Samuel Richardson espoused, and is the view of the first founders of the "Hardshell Baptists," and of the "Old Regular Baptists." The only difference seems to be that some of those who hold this model believe the word of God IS a means in all three stages of this "process," while others limit the use of the word of God to the third or final stage. It is the view of the so called monergists and of many in the "Reformed" camp, either Baptist or Presbyterian.

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