True Conversion: Quickening the New Man
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
7/6/2014 AM
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Text:
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John 6;
Lord's Day 33
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Psalters: |
50, 141, 426, 109 |
- With difficulty.
- The difficulty is because regeneration is only of the heart (new man) and all the rest of us remains totally depraved (old man).
- Our natural understanding is in complete darkness (Eph. 5:8).
- Our natural affections are completely corrupt.
- And our natural will is totally perverse.
- To overcome this nature, Almighty God performs a powerful, supernatural, irresistible work drawing us to Himself (John 6:44).
- The Father draws irresistibly (not just enabling man to come if he chooses), so all (each and every one) will certainly come.
- God?s drawing us is a work of grace in our heart which influences our mind and will and affections.
- Coming to Jesus is an activity of our Spirit-enlightened mind, by a repeated renewing of our mind (Eph. 4:23; Rom. 12:2).
- A knowledge of Jesus Christ is essential, for we do not move toward an unknown object.
- Notice that coming to Jesus is by being "taught of God" (John 6:45,65).
- This teaching is the gospel given in and based on Scripture.
- The external teaching must be accompanied by the Spirit regenerating, enlightning the mind and inclining the will.
- The mind is enlightened to know Him as our Savior and our Lord who owns and commands us.
- We believe that He is and that He is the rewarder to those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
- When we turn away from ourselves and the world, and then we look to Him as our Hope and Portion, our Resting place.
- Coming to Jesus is an activity of our affections and will
- It is a casting of self on Jesus for salvation, because I see Him, by faith, as the only Source of salvation.
- And then we come to Jesus as an act of our will, surrendering our will to Him.
- We submit to His government, yield to His scepter, heed His commandments in all good works.
- We count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge our Savior.
- Where faith gives sight, the affections are warmed with love to embrace the object of our faith (Heb. 11:13).
- God draws us with bands of love (Hosea 11:4), telling us of His boundless and infinite love.
- Jesus is precious to those who believe in Him (I Peter 2:7) - so precious that we will deny ourselves.
- In the way of coming to Jesus we gain the assurance of salvation.
- Jesus assures those who come to Him that they will forever remain His.
- Their salvation is certain: shall not be cast out.