True Conversion: Quickening the New Man

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