In a follow up on the preceding posts regarding the relationship of faith to regeneration (rebirth), I wish not only to state that the Scriptures make these two things concurrent but make them mutually dependent. We can think of lots of examples in nature and logic that demonstrate mutual dependency. In other words, one cannot exist without the other.
There is no order, logical or chronological, insisted on, in Scripture, as regards faith and birth. Arguing over whether faith causes rebirth or rebirth causes faith is not crucial. What is crucial is the fact that both are the result of the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a waste of time to argue over whether faith precede repentance, or vise versa. What is important is the fact that faith and repentance are mutually dependent things. They have a mutual cause in the Holy Spirit. So likewise it is a waste of time to argue over whether regeneration precede faith, or vise versa.
So, in conclusion, I think it best to say that faith and regeneration are mutually dependent.
1 comment:
Faith and repentance are reactions of man to God's saving work in and for that person.
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