But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:9-10
In answer to the question “How is one born again?” we said there are two essential facts. The first is that people must hear the gospel—the simple and accurate gospel.
The second essential fact is that the Holy Spirit must grant understanding. We say this because millions have heard—and rejected the gospel because to unregenerate ears, the gospel is “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
People must hear the gospel, and the Holy Spirit must grant the ability to understand and respond to the gospel. When these two are in place, people will be born again. Both are equally necessary. So we must proclaim the gospel, and pray that the Holy Spirit will regenerate people, granting them understanding and the will to respond.
We must do our part, and when we do, God will do His part in the lives of those He is pleased to save. Now since we do not know which people God will be pleased to save, we need to give the good news of the gospel to as many as we can—with confidence that He will save His people, as we share Christ.
And don’t miss that it is all God’s work. The person who is born again does -0- to be born again!
What is the gospel? Next time…