Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Because this is a lower cased "spirit", it is referring to "the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one".

It is Pauls desire, that the Father, give unto this people a disposition that drives them to achieve the ability to discern the truth, to study and rightly divide the word, and to grow in knowledge of the Father. There are very few who recieve this gift. It requires a great amount of devotion to the word, along with great patience.


Related passages:
2 Peter 3:18
Jerimiah 20:9

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Earnest is defined as a small quantity given in advance.

Thayers: for the gift of the Holy Spirit, comprising as it does the "powers of the world to come - Hebrews 6:5", is both a foretaste and a pledge of future blessedness.

This earnest is derived from "our inheritance" which is bequeathed to us at regeneration when the adoption occurs (Ephesians 1:4 & 11). The inheritance is eternal life. When bequeathed at adoption, it is reserved for us in immortal heaven, until the redemption of the purchased possession. By faith, we are able to take current possession of eternal life in this present world.

The following passages all refer to this current possession of eternal life.
Matthew 19:16
Mark 10:17
Luke 10:25
Luke 18:18
John 3:15
John 4:36
John 6:54
John 6:68
John 10:28
John 12:25
John 17:2-3
Acts 13:48
Romans 2:7
Romans 5:21
Romans 6:23
1 Timothy 6:12 & 19
Titus 1:2
Titus 3:7
1 John 2:25
1 John 3:15
1 John 5:11
1 John 5:13

Keep in mind that a person cannot recieve the earnest, unless he has first obtained the whole, from which the earnest is derived. In other words, a person can only take a piece of pie from a whole pie.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

After a person has been adopted (Ephesians 1:5) and has obtained the inheritance of eternal life (Ephesians 1:11), neither of which are optional, he is then able to recieve the earnest of his own inheirtance (Ephesains 1:14), by hearing the gospel of his salvation and believing in Christ.

The gospel of his salvation is the good news that he has already obtained eternal life by grace.

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

The chosen of God, being predestinated to adoption, were also predestinated to receive an inheritance of eternal life and eternal salvation. Again, they were predestinated according to the purpose of God, who does this according to the decision He made, in accordance with His own desire. Clearly stated, His decision was not based upon what any person would or would not do.

This adoption occurs during regeneration.

Related passages:
Romans 8:29

Born of God: Regeneration or Conversion?

Did you know that, with the exception of John 1:13, which is essentially the same, the phrase “born of God” is only found in the 1st epistle of John?

Did you know that the Greek word “theos” translated “God” in each of these phrases, could be translated as Christ, or the Holy Spirit, and still be a true statement?

I believe, when one considers the context in which it is used, and when every usage is closely examined, John actually meant the same thing as when the phrase “born of the Spirit” is used elsewhere. I believe that John, knowing his own words from the 14th chapter of his gospel, knew that because Christ and the Father make their dwelling place within the person when the person is “born of the Spirit”, there would be no error in using “theos” to represent any one, or all three.

John uses this phrase seven times. Four of these uses could be referring to either regeneration or conversion, if too hastily we assume incorrectly to understand John’s teachings. And finally there are three uses, which if interpreted as regeneration, contradict the teachings of not only his owns teachings, but also that of other Apostles.

So, did John intend his use of this phrase in reference to regeneration, or conversion?

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

When John uses “Whosoever”, he is implying that collectively everyone is included. In verse 6, immediately before this usage of the phrase, John defines those who “doth not commit sin”. He states, “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” In John’s gospel, chapter 15, we find that only those who bear fruit abide in Christ. Therefore, John cannot be using the phrase “born of God” in reference to the regenerate, without contradicting himself and the Holy Spirit which is the author of every word of God.

• 1 John 2:23–24 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also]. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
• 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
• John 15:5-6 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.
• 1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Here, John uses “Whatsoever”, but the meaning is the same as with “whosoever”, and that again is to say collectively everyone that is born of God has the victory of overcoming the world and believes in Jesus Christ.

1. Do all the regenerate overcome the world and believe in Jesus Christ? No.
2. Do all the converted overcome the world and believe in Jesus Christ? Yes.

These truths are made evident in Johns teachings:

• 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

We have yet another use of the word “whosoever” and John uses it to say collectively everyone that is born of God “sinneth not”. And in this same passage John goes so far as to say that those who are begotten “keepeth himself” and cannot be touched by “that wicked one”.

1. Would it be correct to say that all regenerate persons take care not to transgress against God and have overcome the wicked one? No.
2. Would it be correct to say that all converts take care not to transgress against God and have overcome the wicked one? Yes.

According to John’s own words, only the converted have overcome the wicked one.

• 1 John 2:13 … I write unto you, yong men, because ye have overcome the wicked one…
• 1 John 2:14 … I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1. Are all those who receive him regenerated? Yes.
2. Are all those who receive him converts? Yes.

Or could John be saying that all who receive him are born of God as a result of receiving him?

1. Do all regenerates receive him? No.
2. Do all converts receive him? Yes.

When a person believes he receives the Holy Spirit, and is thus born of the Spirit, quickened by the Spirit, begotten of the gospel, and takes possession of Eternal Life.

• 1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

1 John 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

1. Are all those who doeth righteousness regenerated? Yes.
2. Are all those who doeth righteousness converts? Yes.

Or could John be saying that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of God because of their obedience?

1. Do all regenerates doeth righteousness? No.
2. Do all converts doeth righteousness? Yes.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1. Is everyone that is perfected in love regenerate? Yes.
2. Is everyone that is perfected in love converted? Yes.

Or is John saying that because they love they are born of God as the result of their obedience?

1. Are all regenerate persons perfected in love? No.
2. Are all converts perfected in love? Yes.

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Once again, John uses “Whosoever”, stating that collectively everyone that believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

1. Are all those who believe regenerate? Yes.
2. Are all those who believe converts? Yes.

Or is John saying that every person that believes is born of God as a result of their belief?

1. Do all regenerate people believe? No.
2. Do all converts believe? Yes.

I am thoroughly convinced, by letting scripture interpret scripture, that when John uses the phrase "born of God" he is using it to mean the same thing as the more commonly known phrase "born of the Spirit". Thus, John is using this phrase in reference to conversion. When conversion occurs the Father and the Son make their abode within the child of God in the form of the Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit. Read John’s gospel, chapter 14, for further details.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Matthew 22:14 For many are called but few are chosen

Many of God’s children are called to be obedient; called to live righteously, but few are actually chosen. In order to properly understand what Jesus meant, we must allow scripture to interpret scripture. We can do this by studying Paul’s teaching on the election of grace.

Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

With a proper study on the election of grace, it should be easier to understand this passage from Matthew. Not all of God’s regenerate children will be blessed to hear the gospel preached. As a result, not all will be called to obedience, but many nonetheless will. Not all those who hear the gospel preached will accept it as being the truth. As a result, not all those who hear the gospel will know how to please God as set forth under the New Covenant. An example of this can be found in Acts 10. In this story Cornelius continues to worship in accordance with the Old Testament teachings. Instead of his prayers and alms being received of God as an offering, they are received as a memorial. Cornelius was not able to worship the Father outside of Jesus Christ. Cornelius was blessed to have been sent a messenger that guided him to Peter for proper direction, but this will not be the case for all His elect.

Related passages:
Romans 11:5

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

But the natural man, that which is governed by the sensuous nature with its subjection to a sinful appetite and passion, does not have the intellect to perceive that which is revealed by the Spirit of God: for these spiritual things are insignificant and do not make sense to him: in fact he is not even capable of this intelligence because these can only be interrogated through the Spirit.

Again, Paul teaches that the natural man is in no way capable of acquiring the intellect which only the Spirit of God can posses. However, once a person is regenerated he has both the natural carnal nature with only the knowledge of man, as well as the spiritual nature having the capability to know the spiritual things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

What being has the ability to learn and reason those things pertaining to humans, besides the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of man? Likewise, the ability to learn and reason those things pertaining to God is not possible by the spirit of man, but is only possible through the Holy Spirit which is of God.

Paul establishes that the natural man does not have the ability to perceive anything that concerns, or relates to, God. This fact is true, regardless of whether the person is regenerate or not. Let me clarify that, by saying that a regenerate man has two natures, one natural and one spiritual. The natural carnal nature, which all men have prior to regeneration remains, although it has been loosed. This loosing makes way for the Holy Spirit to bring the new spiritual nature to life. Without this loosening described by Paul in Romans 6:6, the spiritual nature cannot co-exist within the human body. (See Luke 5:36-39 Mark 2:21-22 Matthew 9:16-17) Therefore, spiritual discernment is only possible after regeneration, when the natural man has been loosed, and after the Holy Spirit has entered in, bringing the spiritual nature to life. Once the spiritual nature is present, the person has the capacity to discern the spiritual things of God, through the Holy Spirit, such as the kingdom of God. Furthermore, Jesus taught that unless a man is born a second time, that is being born of the Spirit, he does not possess this ability, thus rendering the teaching that every human being naturally has this ability, to be false.

Romans 9:16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

I have always submitted to others interpretation concerning this passage because there did not appear to be any obvious error. That being, those who runneth were those who were attempting to get away or avoid the mercy of God. But that is exactly opposite of its true meaning. When properly understood, it is speaking of those who are exerting themselve to obtain it, as if by running a race with intent on winning.

It is not by the desire of the person who intends, or decides, to recieve mercy, nor is it of the person that exerts himself, or strives hard to attain mercy. It is only by the desire of God, who extends His mercy and compassion, that a person is able to obtain it.

Born Again By Conversion: What the Holy Spirit actually says

[ A work in progress ]

Summary:

Being born again is not the same as being regenerated as many might want to believe. Being born again means to be born of the Spirit. It means to enter into a new and living way. It means to become a new creature, which has put away his old ways of doing things. It means having a new focus in life, that being Christ Jesus. It means putting away the ways of the world and putting on the mind of Christ, which minded the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). It means being spiritually awakened, raised to life, and in love with Christ. It means having a new way of walking, a new way of talking, a new way of singing, a new way of praying.

Washing of Regeneration: What the Holy Spirit actually says

Regeneration and conversion are often thought to be the same, but they are two very distinct and completely different events. An attempt to compare these two would be like comparing the growth of an apple tree to the development of an apple. Regeneration is the tree and conversion is the apple, and you cannot have an apple without an apple tree.

When regeneration and conversion are understood to be two separate events, the distinguishing features become obscured when the two are not rightly divided and their characteristics are jumbled.

The word regeneration “palingenesia” can only be found twice in scripture. The Morrish Bible Dictionary interestingly says, “It will be seen that the word regeneration has not in scripture the sense of ‘new birth,’ to which the term has been commonly applied. Intimately connected with regeneration is the idea of ‘washing,’ referring probably to a cleansing, or separation from old associations, which is essential to the idea of regeneration”. And when rightly divided, this will be found to be very true.

The first use of this word is found in Matthew 19:28. This usage is in regard to a change of power and authority, not a new birth. Christ takes a seat upon His throne at the right-hand of God. God took His kingdom from the nation of Israel after the flesh and gave it to the spiritual Israel of promise (Romans 9:8). These and other changes are described as the shaking of heaven and earth (Daniel 7:13-14 & Hebrews 12:26-28).

With this study I hope to be able to not only convince, but also to prove, that the use of regeneration spoken of in Titus 3:5 is the same as that in Matthew 19:28.

The scriptures reveal five changes of power and authority that occur at the time of regeneration. Although there is no stated order in which these occur, I will discuss each one in what would seem to be the most logical order. Just to clarify, each of these are solely spiritual in nature and do not involve any action, decision, or even conscientiousness on the part of the person. In fact, the person cannot know when regeneration occurs, only that it has taken place at some time in the past.

• Translation
• Crucifixion
• Spiritual Baptism
• Adoption
• Inheritance


Translation

A lot is revealed by Jesus concerning translation in John chapter 6. In John 6:44, Jesus teaches that no man can come into His authority, unless he is delivered into His authority by the Father. In John 6:37, He teaches that all who are delivered into His authority will be received by Him. In John 6:50, He teaches that all that are delivered to Him will live forever. And in John 6:39, He teaches that of all those who are delivered into His power and authority, not a single one will ever be taken away.

Colossians 1:13-14 provides us with a word picture of the translation event. At this point one should think of John 6:44, and give great consideration to the word “draw” which means to pull up or out; to raise from any depth; as, to draw water from a well. And this definition is clearly made manifest in these passages. God reaches down into the depths of darkness and delivers us from its power and authority setting us down on the other side of a great barrier that no man can cross (Genesis 3:24) without the Fathers divine intervention. These passages from Colossians do not describe the transference of the person physically, but instead of the transference of the title of ownership of the purchased possession.


Baptism

Paul uses baptism, "baptizo" meaning to be cleansed by submersion, to reveal another aspect of regeneration. He uses this figuratively in Romans 6:3-7. He teaches that during regeneration, a spiritual baptism of cleansing takes place. This is consistent with his teaching from Titus 3:5, when he uses the phrase “the washing of regeneration”. This cleansing is the victory of Christ over death being applied. It is the blotting out of our transgressions against God, which were atoned by Christ on the cross.


Crucifixion

Also in Romans 6:3-9, Paul uses crucifixion “soos-tow-ro’-o”, meaning to render helpless, and makes several references to the person being buried into death with Christ. Prior to regeneration, the carnal nature has complete and utter control over the person. This carnal nature is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be (Romans 8:7). Therefore, by the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) and the adoption of children (Ephesians 1:5), when Christ’s victory over death is applied, the carnal man is put to death (Ephesians 2:16), or rather loosed from total dominance. This loosing renders the carnal man helpless against the power of the Holy Spirit. It enables the person, for the first time, to be able to subdue the carnal man, but only through the power and strength of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13). It is the person’s free will choice to convert to Christ and receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:23), enabling His power and authority over the carnal man. For more details on subduing the carnal man, see my study Born Again by Conversion.

Although the person is cleansed by the loosing of the carnal nature, it remains to be the dominant force in his life. To provide a word picture, regeneration is the removing of the shackles and the opening of the cell door, making a way of escape from the prison cell in which the person has been kept by the power of darkness. Now, all he needs to do is find his way out to enjoy this new freedom, and this is the purpose of the gospel message. Jesus also said this very same thing in John 13:10, "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit". In other words, the person is now willfully allowing the carnal nature to reign over his mortal body (Romans 6:12) and yielding himself to its service, by obeying its lusts (Romans 6:13). This is why Paul describes this aspect of regeneration as being baptized into death. Despite having been transferred into this new realm, over which Christ has dominion, the person is not automatically conformed to its ways and means. At this point, the person is described as being asleep (Romans 13:11, 1 Corinthians 15:34, Ephesians 5:14) because he has not yet been awakened to this glorious change. As dead (Romans 6:7, Ephesians 5:14, Luke 15:24, John 5:25, John 11:25, Romans 11:15, Romans 14:9, 1 Corinthians 15:29, Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:13, 1 Timothy 5:6, 2 Timothy 2:11, and many others) because the person is unfruitful and unskillful in the ways of righteousness. As a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 5:6, Colossians 3:6) because he is rebellious and in love with the world. And even a child of the devil (1 John 3:8 & 10, 2 Timothy 2:26) because he is yielding himself to be the devils servant (Romans 6:12).


Adoption

Paul, in the opening chapter of his epistle to the Ephesians, sets forth a progression of events which should be undisputable. The first of these events is the adoption of children by the Father, who has predetermined those to whom His glorious grace shall be applied. Paul makes no mention of belief, or of the gospel, until he gets to the third and final item in this progression. This is the true substance of 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us”. He loved us before we ever even gave any thought about loving Him. In fact, before we were ever even conceived in the womb of our mother, He chose to love each one of His elect and chose them to be adopted as His children. He chose to make each one accepted in the beloved.

By why must we be adopted? God created man in His likeness and in His image. Some will argue that Genesis 5:3 does not support the claim that Adam passed, his now defiled nature, to all his prosperity. But, Romans 8:29 says that the elect were predestinated to be conformed (made agreeable) to the image of His Son, and Ephesians 1:5-6 supports this stating that we were predestinated to be adopted where in He has made us accepted (agreeable). In other words, a person must be adopted in order to once again obtain the image and likeness of God.

By adoption, the person becomes one of God’s children. But again, this is only a spiritual change, and is the same as the change in authority and ownership mentioned above, in the discussion of translation. There is no change physically to the person. Paul describes the person at this point, as being no different than one who has not been adopted, in Galatians 4:1. Give a lot of consideration to what Paul is saying. The hier, as long as he remains to be a child, is no different than the servant, which is obviously not a child of the father. The point that Paul is attempting to make is, they are both unlearned, without the knowledge needed take control of any part of the fathers estate. Another way you could look at this would be, they both are carnally minded, minding the things of the flesh. They are both in love with the world and are not prepared to be given any responsibility over anything pertaining to the Fathers estate. Notice another very important thing that Paul points out. It is only the heir that is under governors and tutors, to bring him to faith in Christ (Galatians 3:24-25), not the servant. The servant is still under the complete control of the carnal nature; the carnal nature that is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be (Romans 8:7).

It is important to understand why certain scriptures may not appear at first to support this fully. It is all about proper perspective. All of those who the Father adopts as children are, from the Fathers perspective, His children, whether they acknowledge this fact or not. Not all of God’s children will acknowledge Him as their Father. To those who do receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:5-6), the Spirit of His Son will be sent into their hearts and they will cry Abba, Father! And these will be obedient unto Him and will obey His commandments, without burden. They will love the Lord their God, and He will be their God.

But to those who do not acknowledge Him and are rebellious against Him, and who love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19), the wrath of God abides upon them (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:31). They will be chastened (Hebrews 12:7) and those who are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11) will turn from their wicked ways and convert and be healed (Matthew 13:15, Mark 4:12, James 5:20). They will enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3) departing from the broad way and the destruction they have known, entering in through the strait gate of life, which few are able to find (Matthew 7:13-14).


Inheritance

At the time of adoption the person is bequeathed an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11) of Eternal Life and Salvation. Although this inheritance is bequeathed, the same as a father would bequeath his inheritance to his children, there are some differences. The first difference that needs to be understood is that in place of the Father, the Son was the testator (Hebrews 9:16), who died so that the testament would be of force (Hebrews 9:17). The person has obtained the inheritance, because the Son died in place of the Father, but can only take possession of the earnest of it, through faith in Christ when they receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).

A person is only able to take full possession of the inheritance when he departs this mortal world (1 Peter 1:4). Until that time, God has appointed a mediator (Hebrews 9:15), just as a father would appoint an executor for his will. Should the father pass before his children, the executor distributes portions of the estate to the children as needed for support. Whether for food, clothing, education, etc…, the executor pays for these things by withdrawing from the estate. Jesus, acting as mediator, gives us varying measures of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:14) in accordance with our faith and obedience, for blessing, reward, and strength. For more details concerning the earnest of our inheritance, see my study on Born Again by Conversion.


Summary

God uses multiple perspectives to teach a single truth. He did this in Daniel and Revelation. He also did this in the gospels and epistles, for example, with the kingdom of heaven. I hope you will be able to see the evident connections of how these five changes of power and authority are intertwined with each other. They are truly multiple perspectives provided by God’s word to enable the Bible student to gain a proper understanding of Regeneration.

When I think of regeneration, I think of the story of Adam. The fall of man is the reverse shadow of what must be accomplished in order to return to favor with God. Did Adam have a choice to eat the forbidden fruit? Of course he did, without question. But, did Adam have a choice in being driven out from the Garden of Eden? Did Adam have a choice to return to the Garden of Eden and partake of the Tree of Life? No, I am afraid he had absolutely no choice in the matter.