4/12/12-

WSC Q 30- How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A: The Spirit applies Christ's purchased redemption to us by working faith in us, and thus uniting us to Christ in our real calling.

It is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh does not profit. (John 6:63)

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

 ⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-8)

Thoughts: We are not born again by faith, or repentance, or conversion, but we repent and believe because we have been regenerated.  The effects of regeneration are faith and repentance, but these effects cannot be separated from regeneration.  They all go together.  Christ calls us to Himself and calls us to his salvation- but the Spirit enables us to hear Christ's real and effectual call.  Jesus often speaks of having ears to hear but not hearing.  It is the Spirit who opens our ears. 

Prayer: Open my ears and heart to respond to your call to me, O Lord.