07-20-08 Sermon Review

Regeneration and Faith
John 3:1-15

We are still in John chapter 3, and the subject is still regeneration. In the sermon prior, we learned how regeneration is necessary and completely outside of ourselves, but the teaching of the Bible also emphasizes that we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). What then is the relationship between regeneration and faith?

Regeneration Precedes Faith - God must work in us regeneration before any of us can put faith in Jesus Christ. Paul writes that God has given us the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). He first spoke to our hearts, then we saw Christ, and then we believed. This ensures that every bit of our salvation, even our faith, comes from God, and therefore, only God will receive glory for His saving work.

Regeneration Produces Faith - This point ties in closely with the previous. The first point dealt with the timing; this point deals with the cause-result relationship. What results from God causing us to be born again is that we believe. We are not born again because we believe. We believe because we are born again. Without fail, faith springs up in all who are regenerated, and therefore, no genuinely born again Christian will not have faith, even if that faith may be weak.

Regeneration Preserves Faith - We are all called to persevere in faith. But if God has caused regeneration in you, you will surely persevere in faith. Paul confidently states, "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). God has started the work of salvation with regeneration and will complete it in glorification. Therefore, what is left in between, perseverance of the faith, is also guaranteed.


Now, if regeneration precedes faith, then how is one born again? That is a very important question to ask, since we have already read Jesus' words that we "must be born again." Having faith is not the answer from our study above. For a quick answer, we turn to 1 Peter 1:23: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." The word "through" here is crucial to our understanding of regeneration. Peter states that the means with which God regenerates is the living and enduring Word.

I was once told by a seasoned Pastor, "The Spirit of God does not work apart from the Word of God." When the Spirit works in our hearts to produce this miracle of regeneration, He never does it apart from the truths of God's written Word. No wonder why Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching so that people hear (Romans 10:14-15) and preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Knowing this ought to spur on greater love for the Word, challenge us to use the Word and its truths when we evangelize, and comfort us as we see our faith more surely rested on God's infallible Word. May God give us grace to love the Word, speak the Word, share the Word, and preach the Word. It is vital, not only for our growth but even our birth as children of God. May our faith be found to be a regenerate faith. Stay strong and God bless!