Apologetics = give an answer
The Divine Solution: God’s Part
I. Regeneration precedes sight and entrance.
John 3:1-3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
A. What Nicodemus believed
1. He believed that Jesus was sent from God, but not God.
2. He believed in Him as a teacher from God, because of His miracles.
a. Liberals and religions today believe Jesus was a great teacher.
(Matthew 7:21-23, II Thessalonians 2:9, II Timothy 3:8)
b. Natural man sees much, but not the kingdom.
1) They see how sin hinders relationships with man, but are blinded to its offense to God.
2) They see all that the natural eye allows, but not in the realm of Spiritual.
B. What Nicodemus lacked (John 3:4-16)
1. Not the Word
a. He was a teacher of the Scriptures.
b. He had heard of the Baptizer.
2. But the Spirit
a. The Spirit must make the dead alive. (Ephesians 2:1)
CF I Corinthians 3:6-7
b. The Spirit must reveal truth. (I Corinthians 2:7-10)
CF I John 2:20, 27
c. The Spirit alone can clean. (Titus 3:5, Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 36:27)
II. Regeneration results in the unable being able. (II Corinthians 5:17)
A. Able to hear the effectual call (II Corinthians 4:6, Romans 8:29-30)
B. Able to repent (Jeremiah 31:18-19, Acts 11:18)
C. Able to receive Christ (John 1:12-13)
D. Able to believe (Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 1:29, Hebrews 12:2, II Thessalonians 2:13-14, Acts 18:27)
III. Regeneration is the first in redemption’s application.
A. Regeneration and the Trinity
1. Regeneration’s plans come from the Father’s mercy. (I Peter 1:3)
2. Regeneration’s propitiation is in the work of Jesus.
3. Regeneration’s process is from the Sovereign Holy Spirit. (John 3:8)
B. Regeneration in other words
1. Quickened – Ephesians 2:1
2. Creation – II Corinthians 5:17
3. Workmanship – Ephesians 2:10
C. Regeneration makes the Scripture effective. (I Corinthians 2:12-14)
1. Man understands Scripture because he is first made able by regeneration.
a. Sight is distinct from light. (Acts 16:14)
1) Light is present in Scripture long before sight is attained.
2) Regeneration gives sight so the already present light may shine in.
b. Provision is distinct from application.
1) The Father’s election and the Son’s blood cannot save apart from the Spirit’s regeneration.
2) The sick are not healed by a prepared medicine, but an applied medicine.
2. Man’s will is submissive to God through the Scripture by regeneration.
a. He obeys the Gospel. (I Peter1:2)
b. He is led in righteous paths. (Romans 8:14)
CF Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:16
c. He develops in the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)