Hardshell Regeneration?

"But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26: 16-18)

This passage of scripture is destructive to Hardshell descriptions of biblical "regeneration." It is also destructive to their anti-means or Spirit alone view of regeneration. The text is clear in showing that the ministry of the Apostle Paul would be instrumental in effecting five things in the lost Gentiles.

1. Open the eyes 2. Turn them from darkness to light 3. Turn them from the power of Satan unto God 4. To bring them to receive the forgiveness of sins 5. To bring them to receive inheritance among the sanctified

Hardshells insist that these five things do not describe regeneration or that experience which is necessary to being eternally saved. How could they? If they did view these things as intimately and necessarily connected with regeneration and eternal salvation, then they would have to admit that God uses the preaching of the Gospel to effect it. Thus, they affirm that these things are not necessary to be regenerated. But, in doing this, they have created a description of "regeneration" that excludes the above things. Who can believe it?

Imagine a person being regenerated but who is still blind! Imagine a person being regenerated who is still in darkness! Imagine a person being regenerated who is still under the power of Satan! Imagine a person being regenerated who is not yet turned to God! Imagine a person being regenerated who has not yet received forgiveness of sins! Imagine a person being regenerated who has not yet received inheritance with the sanctified!