08-03-08 Sermon Review

The Difference
John 3:16-21

We are still in the third chapter of John discussing faith and regeneration. In the sermon prior, we discussed the relationship between faith and regeneration. We noticed that we are incapable of causing regeneration ourselves and that faith is produced by regeneration. Therefore, as we test ourselves to see whether or not we are of the faith as exhorted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:5, we ought to consider whether or not we have a regenerate faith or a dead faith. The difference between the two can be seen in our passage today. I see a total of three differences in this passage through which we can test our faith.

We believe in the Son - It is not hard to find men of faith. You will easily find that men are more willing to put faith in something rather than nothing. That something can range from naturalism to satanism. What separates regenerate believers from men of faith is not in the degree of faith that they have but in the object of their faith. B.B. Warfield writes, “It is not faith that saves, but faith in Jesus Christ… It is not, strictly speaking, even faith in Christ that saves, but Christ that saves through faith. The saving power resides exclusively, not in the act of faith or the attitude of faith or in the nature of faith, but in the object of faith.” Regenerate believers believe in the Son, Jesus Christ.

We bear no judgment - Secondly, regenerate believers bear no sense of judgment. Our text today says, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned" (John 3:18). Because of the regenerate believer's understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they understand that their guilt has been washed away. They can say along with Paul, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). True believers draw encouragement from this truth and lives constantly in the joy it brings. A mark of an un-regenerate believer is the constant guilt he bears and the unwillingness to let these truth soothe him and wash away the guilt.

We boast in God - Finally, the regenerate believers boasts in God for his blissful state. The un-regenerate hate the light and do not come into the light, but the regenerate comes confidently into the light, not because of their own self-righteousness but because their deeds have been "wrought in God." True believers are content with the fact that God is solely responsible for their righteousness. They seek for a righteousness that is not "derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Jesus Christ, the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" (Philippians 3:9). As believers, we ought to boast not in our own righteousness but in Christ's righteousness. This is a reality for the regenerate believer.

These three differences are a simple standard by which we can test our faith. IS Christ the object of my faith? Do I bear no sense of judgment? Do I happily receive the righteousness of God while rejecting my own righteousness? If God has regenerated you, these things are true of you. What a happy lot for the regenerate - those saved by mercy and grace! I pray that as you take an honest look at your faith, that you will be found pure. If not, I pray that you will repent and turn to Christ as you seek His mercies. Stay strong and God bless!