Believing Unto Christ and Life
This chapter will represent the conclusion of our series on the gospel as the divine means of grace. I have given twenty four clear biblical arguments that show 1) that the preaching of the gospel is the divinely appointed means of saving sinners, and 2) that the experience of regeneration cannot be divorced from conversion, or from coming to faith and repentance, and 3) that the experience of regeneration is not a non-cognitive, or sub-conscious experience, as the Hyper Calvinists affirm, whether they be Hardshells or "Reformed" Baptists and Paedo-Baptists. I have several chapters in my book on the "Hardshell Baptist Cult" wherein I present the bible proof for regeneration being accomplished through the means of the gospel and by faith in Christ. These twenty four chapters are an enlargement. In fact, I may add some of these present chapter postings, of this series, to my book.
When I left off writing in the "Hardshell Baptist Cult" book, I had already presented the biblical evidence against hardshellism, and for means in salvation, and was nearing completion of rebutting the scriptures and arguments that the Hardshells offer in affirmation of their views on "regeneration." It is my intention to finish that rebuttal section, and move on to other issues, such as the Hardshell teaching regarding perseverance, predestination, the Great Commission, Sunday Schools, ministerial education, etc. I also plan to write extensively about the historical claims of the Hardshells, examining their leading "historians" relative to their history and origins.
In my debates with the advocates of Campbellism (aka "Church of Christ" or "Christ Church") I have had to explain what being "baptized eis (into, unto, for) Christ." (Rom. 6: 3, 4: Gal. 3: 27) I have pointed out that everything a believer does is "eis Christ," or "unto the Lord."
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to (eis) the glory of God." (I Cor. 10: 31)
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23)
Therefore, it is is easy to see how being baptized in water, in obedience to Christ, is "eis Christ."
Water baptism is a picture (or "likeness") of that mystical experience of the soul when it is regenerated, renewed, or begotten. The soul is "plunged into Christ," submerged in his cleansing blood, overwhelmed with the Spirit and with the light of the gospel. Thus, the "baptism" that saves is that mystical baptism of the soul, of which the baptism of the body is a type.
In my debates with those who believe in "baptismal regeneration" I have shown how the scriptures not only speak of being "baptized into (eis) Christ," but also of "believing (eis) Christ." In the New Testament the phrase "eis auton" ("unto him") is used frequently. Notice these verses:
"And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and is believing on him (eis - unto or into him), may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)
"Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye may be believing on him (eis - unto or into him) whom He hath sent." (John 6:29)
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that is believing on (eis - unto or into) Me is having everlasting life. I am that bread of life." (John 6:47-48)
Thus, one believes into Christ. And, since one believes before being baptized in water, one is in Christ before baptism.
But, not only does believing into Christ overthrow baptismal regeneration, but it destroys the Hardshell view of regeneration, which will not allow that "believing" has anything to do with being "in Christ."
Believing "unto" eternal life
"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20: 31)
"And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life." (John 5: 40)
"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to (eis) life everlasting." (I Tim. 1: 16)
Thus, one believes "unto" or "into" life, just as the scriptures speak of believing "unto righteousness," believing "unto salvation," and believing "unto justification (forgiveness)."
Hardshells, along with some "Reformed" Calvinists, will insist that "regeneration precedes faith," but clearly the preceding scriptural evidence does not support that view. Besides, what is one affirming when they say that spiritual life precedes faith and repentance? In the same sense as saying "regenerated before life"? With the meaning that "before faith" doesn't mean "without faith"? With the idea that there is a "gap in time" between regeneration and faith?
Problems with the "gap theory"
1. A man may be regenerated and not a believer.
2. A man may be regenerated and not justified (reconciled, at peace with God).
3. A man may be regenerated and not sanctified (washed and purified).
4. A man may be regenerated and not pardoned or forgiven.
5. A man may be regenerated who cannot please God (without faith cannot please).
6. A man may be regenerated who does not know God or Jesus.
7. A man may be regenerated who does not love God or Jesus.
8. A man may be regenerated who has not received the Spirit of God.
9. A man may be regenerated who is not sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
10. A man may be regenerated who is still dead.
11. A man may be regenerated who is not converted.
12. A man may be regenerated who is not born again.
13. A man may be regenerated who is not penitent or convicted of sin.
14. A man may be regenerated who is not enlightened and has no revelation.
15. A man may be regenerated who has not been taught by God.
16. A man may be regenerated who has not come to Jesus.
17. A man may be regenerated who has not called upon or confessed Jesus as Lord
18. A man may be regenerated and be opposed to Christ
19. A man may be regenerated and and not have the mind of Christ
20. A man may be regenerated and yet not enter the kingdom of God
21. A man may be regenerated and yet still be lost
22. A man may be regenerated and yet has not turned to the Lord (repented)
23. A man may be regenerated and yet have no fear of God.
Thus, it would be absurd to speak of a man who is "regenerated" who is not, at the same time, a believer.
It is my hope that this series on the means of grace will help many to see the truth about the glorious phenomenon of regeneration, which is also an epiphany.
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