145 – Conversion Purely the Work of God
CONVERSION PURELY THE WORK OF GOD
§ 145. Inasmuch as regeneration or conversion is essentially the bestowal of faith,1 it is wholly and exclusively a work of God,2 wherein the person being regenerated or converted can in no wise or respect concur, but is merely the passive subject,3 in which as in a rational being 4 the salutary internal change is wrought by the grace and power of God 5 through the means of grace.6
1. Inasmuch as regeneration or conversion is essentially the bestowal of faith,…
John 1:12–13 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
I John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
2. …it is wholly and exclusively a work of God,
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I Peter 1:21 Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Ephesians 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
Acts 11:17–18 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as He did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Hosea 13:9 O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help.
3. …wherein the person being regenerated or converted can in no wise or respect concur, but is merely the passive subject,3 in which as in a rational being
Ephesians 2:1, 5 And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
I Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
4. … in which as in a rational being
I Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
I Corinthians 1:4–7 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me.
John 6:44–45 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.
5. …the salutary internal change is wrought by the grace and power of God
Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.
See also texts sub 2.
6. …through the means of grace.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their Word.
I Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
II Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
I Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
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