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5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, -Titus 3:5
“regeneration is a monergistic work. “Monergistic” means that it is the work of one person who exercises his power. In
the case of regeneration, it is God alone who is able, and it is God alone who performs the work of regenerating the
human soul. The work of regeneration is not a joint venture between the fallen person and the divine Spirit; it is solely
the work of God.” R.C. Sproul (1)
39. Is regeneration resistible—that is, can a person resist it and undo it?
It is irresistible. And not in the sense that regeneration is merely more powerful than all resistance, but that even the thought of resistance is out of the question. Regeneration lays hold of the subject that would wish or be able to offer resistance, even in its deepest depth, and changes it. Saying that it can be resisted would always be based on the conception that it confronts its object. It does not do this but works immanently within the heart of man. (2)
Over the next week, you will hear about plans, strategies and funds needed by our missionary guests to reach unbelievers around the world in obedience to the command of Jesus to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. By all means please consider how you might help with these things, but don’t forget that without the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit irresistibly working in the hearts of God’s elect, all the plans, strategies and funding could do nothing to save anyone. Salvation is all of God from beginning to end. Even the faith believers exercise after being born again is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In light of this, give thanks to God for His sovereignty over your salvation, for changing your will and making you a new creature thereby enabling you to repent and exercise the gift of faith. And, pray for God in His mercy to pour out the Holy Spirit through Christ upon His elect among the nations for the glory of His Holy Name.
In Christ,
Pastor Rich
1. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/new-birth
2. Geerhardus Vos, Reformed Dogmatics, ed. Richard B. Gaffin Jr., trans.
