5/26/14 The Spirit of Regeneration

Our faith and its assurance do not proceed from flesh and blood, that is to say, from natural powers within us, but are the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; whom we confess to be God, equal with the Father and with his Son, who sanctifies us, and brings us into all truth by his own working, without whom we should remain forever enemies to God and ignorant of his Son, Christ Jesus. For by nature we are so dead, blind, and perverse, that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of his blessed will. (Scots Confession 12a)

5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, (Titus 3:5,6)

Thoughts: We are dead in our sins (Eph. 2:6).  Dead people do not choose to see God on their own.  It is God's Spirit that quickens us- regenerates us- opens our eyes to God so that we are able to respond to His grace.  Knox reminds us that the same Spirit who enables us to respond is the Spirit who gives us assurance of our salvation.  The Sanctus Spiritus sanctifies us- makes us holy, and inspires us to be holy. The One who inspires Holy Scripture inspires holy living and holy assurance.  The Spirit is the energizer who empowers us to respond, and empowers us to know we have responded to God Himself.  

Prayer: Holy Spirit, shape me, melt me, mold me, fill me.