Dr. Grudem, in his sermon on "Regeneration," said that he made a profession at twelve years of age but that he thinks he was born again or regenerated before that time. He also says that he does not know when he was regenerated, just that it preceded his trusting in Christ.
He said:
"So, it looks like from the Bible, from a theological sense, that this regeneration comes before, usually, just a few seconds before saving faith."
(He said this about middle way through his sermon - seek link in previous posting)
2 comments:
"So, it looks like from the Bible, from a theological sense, that this regeneration comes before, usually, just a few seconds before saving faith."
Stephen:
How many times have we seen those who hold to regeneration preceding faith, some of whom even appealing to Grudem's Sytematic Theology, disavow a "chronological" priority, saying it is only a "logical" priority? Yet "usually, just a few seconds" is clearly chronological. Hence, this view does not teach that regeneration and conversion (repentance and faith) are simultaneous, as many from he Reformed camp protest. It does demonstrate that "logical" precidence entails "chronological" priority.
Contrary to regeneration precedes faith, we believe that the Scriptures teach that regeneration and conversion are coexistent, occurring at the same time.
Dear Ian;
Yes, you are clearly correct. Grudem gets a gap in time in there for sure.
If one listens to his sermon, you can see how he keeps repeating "brought forth" from James 1 with the idea that it is some experience after one is regenerated, just like the Old Hardshells and Regular Baptists.
God bless,
Stephen
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