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. And so, as we confess that God the Father created us when we were not, as his Son our Lord Jesus redeemed us when we were enemies to him, so also do we confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us, without respect to any merit proceeding from us, be it before or after our regeneration. To put this even more plainly; as we willingly disclaim any honor and glory from our own creation and redemption, so do we willingly also for our regeneration and sanctification; for by ourselves we are not capable of thinking one good thought, but he who has begun the work in us alone continues us in it, to the praise and glory of his undeserved grace. (Scots 15b)
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; (Titus 3:5)
Thoughts: Knox was very conscious that we cannot pull ourselves up to heaven, nor do we deserve to go to heaven just because we are born. The Spirit awakens us as an alarm clock wakens a sleeper- or as Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. The King James Version says "the washing of regeneration." When the Spirit of God regenerates us- He also washes away our sin. It is not because we are good that we are awakened. We have no power to make ourselves live- we are dead in sin (Eph. 2:6). But the Holy Spirit who starts the work of salvation in us- also is able and faithful to complete it.
Prayer: Wake me up to you and to your love, O Holy Spirit.
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