Sep 7, 2009

The Gap in Time

Is there a "gap in time" between "regeneration" (born again) and conversion (coming to faith and repentance)? Some "Reformed" Calvinists, such as James White, R. C. Sproul, etc., strongly affirm that they do not believe there is any such character as a "regenerated unbeliever," even though they believe "regeneration precedes faith."

I have previously shown how some indeed, besides the Hardshells, like Wayne Grudem, do put a "gap in time" between regeneration and conversion. See here

Here are some questions for all those who say that regeneration precedes faith.

1. If the making of the soil/heart "good," in the parable of the soils, denotes "regeneration," then how much time elapses between making the soil good and the sowing of the seed?

2. If regeneration corresponds to conception, and conversion corresponds to birth, then how much time elapses between conception and birth?

3. If infants in the womb are regenerated, then how much time elapses between regeneration and faith?

4. If regeneration is coming to life, while faith is breathing, then how much time elapses between being alive and breathing?

5. If regeneration is "drawing," and faith is "coming," then how much time elapses between being drawn and coming?

6. If regeneration was Lydia's "heart" being "opened," and her conversion was her "giving attention" to Paul's message, then how much time elapsed between the two?

7. If regeneration is the giving of spiritual "ears," then how much time elapses before one hears?

8. If regeneration is the giving of spiritual "eyes," then how much time elapses before one sees?

9. If regeneration precedes justification, then how much time elapses between them?

No comments: