Page 39 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

What makes repentance possible?
• Regeneration (John 3:3; Rom. 8:5-7).
For centuries there has been debate in the church as to the order of salvation. In other words,
there has been debate about what comes before what. Does faith precede regeneration or does
regeneration precede faith? These have been vexing and even divisive debates.

If we accept at face value the teaching of Scripture that humans are born dead in their sins (Eph.
2:1) and blind to truth (2 Cor. 4:4), then we must agree that something radical must happen in
order for there to be life and spiritual sight. This need for radical intervention seems to be
confirmed by Jesus’ statement about the necessity of being born again (John 3:3), and Peter’s
statement that this born-again experience is caused by God (1 Peter 1:3). These things have led
to the belief that regeneration precedes repentance and faith.

The way Scripture portrays these things leads us to the conclusion that, indeed, regeneration is
necessary for these responses but that these things are so closely tied to one another that we
ought not to separate them as if a person could be born again (regenerate) for a period of time
before repenting and believing. This is illustrated in the resurrection of Lazarus. Lazarus could
not raise himself but nor could Lazarus have been raised and not believed. He came forth. This
illustrates the life-generating power of Christ when He calls dead sinners to life, and they come
forth to repentance and faith. These things are inseparable.

• The conviction and power of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8; Rom. 8:13; Gal. 5:16).

What is the fruit of repentance? (Matthew 3:8)
• Confession of sin (Isa. 6:5; Luke 17:4; 1 John 1:9).
• Obedience in faith and out of love (John 14:15; Acts 2:38; Rom. 1:5; 16:25-26).

What are the differences between worldly and godly sorrow? (2 Cor. 7:8-11
• Both produce bad feelings (i.e. sorrow).
• Sorrow according to the will of God leads to repentance and life; the sorrow of the world leads to
death.

• Godly sorrow is without regret (v 10).
• Godly sorrow produces earnestness or haste toward correction (v 11).
• Godly sorrow results in a hatred toward sin (v 11).
• Godly sorrow produces fear, longing, zeal, etc. (11).

(See Appendix B)

6.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What is the expulsive power of a new affection?

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