"In regeneration the Holy Spirit subdues man's heart to Himself, and imparts to man a new nature which loves righteousness and hates sin. He does not force man against his will, but makes him lovingly and spontaneously obedient to His will. ...That act on God's part, in the sub-conscience nature of the person, is known as regeneration, or as a new birth, or being born again. When a man is thus given a new nature, he reacts according to that nature, as do all God's creatures. He then exercises faith and does good works characteristic of repentance as naturally as the grape vine produces grapes. Whereas sin was his natural element, now holiness becomes his natural element--not all at once, for he still has remnants of the old nature clinging to him, and as long as he remains in this world he still is in a sinful enviornment. But as his new nature is free to express itself he grows in righteousness; he enjoys reading God's Word, praying, and having fellowship with other Christians." -Loraine Boettner
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Cor. 4:6-7
Jesus came to seek and save His lost sheep (Luke 19:10): Who are the Father's sheep as well. In fact the Father gives us to the Son, and the Son, who is the Good Shepherd, and who loves His Father and the sheep, lays down His life for these sheep (John 10:14-18).
What a great and awesome God we do have. Not to mention how gracious and merciful He is. Rejoice today in the forgiveness and lovingkindness of your Savior; the love of your Father, and the comfort of His sovereign Spirit.
"No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny." -Stuart Townend,Keith Getty
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