Regeneration Not A Decision?

Another thing that Hyperists are constantly saying, is - "people do not decide to be born again," and "regeneration or the new birth is not a decision." For instance, here is what Tom Ascol of Southern seminary wrote in his article.

"In many Christian circles today experiencing "regeneration" (or "being born again") is simply something that happens when a person "makes a decision to accept Jesus Christ into his heart as personal Savior." Now it is certainly true that Jesus is the Savior, and that he saves sinners on a personal level. However, the idea that the experience of regeneration is a decision which every sinner ought to make and indeed every sinner can make is an idea which is seriously defective. The defects in this idea become increasingly clear when viewed from the vantage points of Biblical material, historic Baptist teachings, and the contemporary Southern Baptist position on this doctrine."

"Regeneration may be defined as that supernatural work of the Holy Spirit of God which is performed in the life of a sinner whereby the sinner is given a new heart, being brought from spiritual death to spiritual life, and is made able and willing to repent of his sin before God and trust alone in Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior." ("The Doctrine of Regeneration")

The intent on taking away the will, choice, and decision of sinners in the work of salvation, or regeneration (new birth), manifested by Ascol, is evidence of Hyperism in his "ordo salutis."

He takes the position that to be saved, or born again, is NOT a decision which a sinner OUGHT to make! Ascol says that sinners ought not to decide to follow Jesus and be saved!

Then he says that it is also an error to believe that sinners are able to make this decision, implying that if anyone believes in calling upon sinners to decide to be converted, must also believe that men are able to decide! Is Ascol not arguing the Pelagian notion that a "command implies ability"?

Dr. Fuller, in his writings, had to fight the same kind of Hyperism in his day, responding to those who also argued that it is wrong to call upon men to decide to follow Christ, or to be saved. One of the proofs that Dr. Fuller offered to disprove this idea was to cite those passages where the unbelievers are they who "disallow" Christ, the "cornerstone," which word means to reject or to disapprove. If unbelievers are they who "disallow" or "reject" the stone, then believers are they who have "allowed" or "accepted" the stone. This involves decision and an act of the will, a choice, in other words.

"Thy people will be willing (choosing to follow Christ) in the day of thy power." (Psalm )

"It is God who works in you to will (choose) and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2: 13 KJV)

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11: 13 NIV)

Who will say that this gift of the Holy Ghost is not salvation, and regeneration, and conversion? Who will deny that it is given to those who "ask" for it? Who will deny that "asking" is a "decision" or choice?