Thursday, November 18, 2021

Quickened By Faith

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead." (Col. 2: 12 kjv)

To be "risen" is to be spiritually resurrected, to becoming alive from a previous death, or quickened. How is this effected in an individual? Paul says he is risen through faith in the working of God. Here are some ways translators have rendered "the operation of God" (KJV):

"risen with Him through the faith wrought by the operation of God" (KJV21)

"risen with Him through faith in the working of God" (ASV)

"risen with Him through faith in the powerful working of God" (ESV)

"risen with Him through faith in the working of God" (NASB)

"risen with Him through your faith in the working of God" (NIV)

"risen with Him through faith in the working of God" (NKJV)

Whether if be "faith wrought by the working of God" (genitive of source) or "faith in the working of God" (objective genitive) faith is still the faith that brings spiritual resurrection, quickening, or regeneration. Regeneration is here plainly said to be "through faith." The faith is both worked by God and is faith in the working of God. "Faith in the working of God" is similar to Hebrews 11: 6.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

One must believe and trust that God will do as he has promised, that he will save, that he will make new, that he will work in him and for him, that he will reward and do his promised work.

This text is another that clearly shows that regeneration is "through faith." Is that not clearly the case? How could anyone who believes in regeneration before faith deny it? We are risen from death in sin "through faith." 

2 comments:

Dr. Richard Trader said...

An excellent article that settles the question by Scripture alone.

Stephen Garrett said...

Thanks my dear brother!

I am so glad that I am a believer! I give God the credit for making me one.