Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’

John 3:3

The venerable Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) commands immense respect in Church History. He was not only a prominent leader in his time but also profoundly shaped Christian thought, influencing the Reformation Era and beyond. His significant works include “The City of God,” “Confessions,” and “On the Trinity.” However, Augustine’s life wasn’t always virtuous. Before gaining renown, he lived in sin, “carrying out the desires of the body and the mind” and was “by nature a child of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). What caused such a profound change in this once wayward sinner? This article delves into the transformative journey of Augustine through the Doctrine of Regeneration.

Regeneration is the secret act of God, breathing new life into the Elect, igniting the conformation to the image of Jesus Christ. This act is likened to the mysterious movement of the wind, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) In his writings, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between Regeneration and the act of creation, declaring, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

To be clear, just as the movement of the wind and the creation of the world, our regeneration is not within our control. We play no active role in this event. Similar to our physical birth, where we had no say, our spiritual rebirth is entirely a sovereign work of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:4-5). This truth is beautifully expressed in the profound opening prologue in the Gospel of John, where he writes, “…who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13) Considering God’s sovereign choice in salvation, Romans 9:16 reinforces this truth, stating, “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.“

It is essential to recognise that Regeneration is not an isolated event but a sequence of divine acts set in motion by God Himself. From eternity past, God has chosen His Elect (Ephesians 1:4), and in His sovereignty, He sends messengers to proclaim the Gospel (Romans 10:15), effectually summoning those He has chosen. As the Good Shepherd’s voice is heard, the Elect are brought forth by the power of the word of truth (James 1:18). This quickening work is likened to the Resurrection, as they are made alive from spiritual death (Colossians 2:13). Only through this Regeneration can the Elect respond in genuine faith in Jesus Christ (John 6:44). Prior to this divine intervention, they were incapable of accepting or believing the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). In this remarkable process, the Elect willingly respond, but it is crucial to acknowledge that it is ultimately God who reaches into our hearts, bringing about this life-changing response (Acts 16:14).

In light of the Bible’s teachings on the radically corrupt nature of humanity (Romans 3:9-18, 23; Psalm 51:3-6; 1 Kings 8:46; Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13; Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 5:6; 1 John 5:12), it becomes evident that Regeneration precedes saving faith. We can only believe once we have been made able to believe, i.e., Regenerated.

“And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, ‘Then who can be saved?‘ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.‘”

Mark 10:26-28

On that momentous day when Augustine experienced his spiritual awakening in Christ, he heard children playing near his house. Their innocent voices resonated with a powerful message, singing, “Tolle, lege! Tolle, lege!” – an urging in Latin, meaning “Take up and read! Take up and read!” The melody seemed like a divine call, beckoning him to turn his attention to something greater. Moved by this inexplicable prompting, Augustine reached for the Sacred Writings of Apostle Paul and opened them with trembling hands. His eyes fell upon the passage, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:13-14).

The truth resonated within him, and he felt the embrace of divine grace. Augustine realised that this encounter was a turning point in his life—a moment of reconciliation with his Creator. “I had no wish to read further, nor was there need,” he later confessed. “No sooner had I reached the end of the verse than the light of certainty flooded my heart, and all dark shades of doubt fled away.” In that powerful encounter with the Scripture, Augustine’s journey of faith began. The words of the Apostle Paul had touched the depths of his soul, leading him to embrace the teachings of Christ and abandon his former life of moral depravity.

In the sacred narrative of Saint Augustine’s regeneration, we bear witness to the sovereign hand of God, orchestrating His eternal plan set forth before the foundations of the world. Truly, it is the Father of lights, in whom no variation or shadow of change exists (James 1:17), who orchestrated the divine moment when Augustine was made alive together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). In an instant, like the twinkling of an eye, Augustine was born of the Spirit (1 John 5:1), and a profound awakening occurred as he received the gift of new life (1 Peter 1:3). In this divine encounter, the person of the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a gentle, yet powerful, torrent (Acts 10:44).

Indeed, if you find yourself in Christ, pause in awe at the wondrous works of our Almighty God, who, as spoken through the prophet Ezekiel, breathes life into dry bones, bringing forth renewal and restoration: “Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews upon you and cover you with flesh and skin, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:5) Reflect on the marvel of Regeneration that has brought you from a state of death. Offer praise and glory to Him!

On the contrary, if you are not yet in Christ, attentively heed the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: “You must be born again.” (John 3:7)

In conclusion, the life of Saint Augustine serves as a powerful testament to the power of God’s grace. As we reflect on the Doctrine of Regeneration in his journey, we are reminded of the timeless message conveyed in the hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. This cherished hymn beautifully expresses the profound impact of God’s grace in regenerating sinners. Just as Augustine’s life was touched by divine intervention, “Amazing Grace” continues to resonate with believers worldwide, serving as a timeless reminder of the boundless mercy that can bring about profound change in even the most wayward of hearts.

Verse 2:

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

The post Ordo Salutis: Regeneration appeared first on TGN.

The post In Response To The “We Are Gods” Theology: Part 2: Are You A Spirit? appeared first on TGN.

The post The Necessity Of The New Birth appeared first on TGN.

One of the difficult doctrines to wrap one’s head around is the doctrine of eternal security monikered as “Once Saved Always Saved”. The controversy around this doctrine is the misconception that maintaining good works doesn’t matter. One can live as they want; after all they are saved. This misconception showed up in a conversation with a friend, who on the basis of Titus 3:8 pointed to me that “Receiving salvation should also be coupled with maintaining good works”. The text reads:

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

You see, this friend holds a misconception that Once Saved Always Saved means a cavielier attitude towards grace. Now, it is important for all to understand that salvation is the complete work of God; It was initiated by God, and it will be sustained and brought to an end when we are glorified by God (Phil. 1:6; Jude 1:24). Many people seem to misunderstand the doctrine of works and perhaps Paul’s words “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12) has been erroneously interpreted by many to mean working to earn our salvation. It must be noted that works–good works– is always a consequence of the great work of salvation done by God in us. It is the fruit we show that we are saved and no believer worth their profession will think works can earn them their salvation.

Every regenerated child of God has or must have the longing and desire to live a holy life…if that is not the case that person we can argue is not genuinely born again. When you are truly saved by The Lord you are in a state of grace that will carry you through to the end of your life into glory. God is able to keep us to the end. This is an important element to understand the doctrine. Believers must work out their salvation not because of the fear of losing it but rather; because obedience is a hallmark of a regenerated life. Even what we call good works is initiated by the Holy Spirit who enables us to carry out those works and not us. There is no good in us but as scripture has said the Holy Spirit works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Now, picture the relationship between a parent and their child. Under what condition will that child cease to be a child of the parent? Will they ever disown a child because of disobedience?Will a parent who loves their child throw her out and take their family name off? Would you? If we as earthly parents will not disown our children because of disobedience, how much more our heavenly father? Ephesians 1:14 tells us our salvation is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

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: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:11-14).

Those who are genuinely saved are those who bear fruits. There is always an evidence of the new birth in the life of the disciple of Christ Jesus. Fruit bearing follows along with being born again. It does not lead to the new birth but it stands with the believer after the new birth. “The Christian is Justified by faith alone but not faith that is alone” Luther said. Throughout scripture, the assurance of the believer’s security is outlined:

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭7:25-26‬).

Come to think of it, when the Sovereign God takes someone in His mighty hands the devil cannot take that person away from His hands. If Jesus died for us to be born again and for us to lose it then there is a problem. However, Scripture tells us “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
‭‭(Romans‬ ‭8:1-2‬).

Once you are in Christ, there is no more condemnation. Your salvation is sealed.

The post Eternal Security: Saved Never To Lose It appeared first on TGN.

In the previous article, we established that not all conversions are genuine — not all that glitters is gold. In this second part, we will go on to see the permanent characteristics of genuine conversion as we can glean from Scriptures.

Counterfeit Conversions

In dealing with non-genuine conversions, one can distinguish between two kinds: temporal conversion, and counterfeit conversion. This distinction is necessary because we see from the biblical examples of temporary conversions that these largely occur following the presentation of the truth. For example, Simon the sorcerer did hear Philip’s preaching, and in Jesus’ parable, we are told that the seed which was sown is the Word of God. However, there are some “conversions” which have been known to take place as a result of agents other than the word of God or the presentation of the truth.

For example, a drug addict may, as result of psychological treatment experience a change of life from one of addiction, violence and other vices, to that of decency and responsibility, free from addiction. Similarly, a cult member may be required to give up certain vices and live a highly moral life, fast a number of times a week etc. Whilst both examples above involve a turning from one way of life to another (conversion), they are not produced by the truth, hence can be described as counterfeit conversions. Near-death experiences, experiencing “flashes of light”, sudden unexplained events, or even traumatic life experiences can lead to a form of conversion that may closely simulate Christian conversion; however the notable difference is that they were not produced by the truth of God’s word, but by something else – including even demonic agents.

These go to prove that not everyone who undergoes a change in their lives have experienced true Christian conversion. Not all that appears to be conversion is true conversion – as we have seen from Jesus’ own teachings and from that of the apostles.

Non-essential Aspects of Conversion

In our quest to distinguish between fake and genuine conversions, it is important to mention certain aspects of conversion which vary from person to person, and should therefore not be used as yardstick to measure the veracity of all Christian conversions. There are quite a few, but we’ll mention two which are common

Age At Conversion 

There are some who have postulated that if conversion does not happen at a particular age in life, then it is not genuine, or might never happen at all. Dr. Stephen Addai, former rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), speaking on the theme of moral integrity within the ranks of public officers, was heard on 12Oct2015 to have said, “Statistics show that 80 percent of all people who will go to heaven make their decision for Jesus Christ before the age of 18. The children should grow up knowing Jesus Christ and if we do so, we will not have judges who collect bribes to prevent justice.”¹

Training up children in the fear and knowledge of Christ is highly commendable, however, the good doctor’s remarks on conversion is utterly unscriptural. Sadly, Dr Addai is not the first person to make such bold assertions. Edwin Starbuck (1866-1947)², writing on religious conversions, similarly said most religious experiences occur between the ages of 15 and 24, as part of the normal process of finding our identities as adolescents. To Starbuck, since all conversions happen in this age bracket, it may be the case that conversion is nothing more than a normal teenage experience.
The good news is, age is completely irrelevant when it comes to conversion. As noted previously, conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit – and He’s not limited by age whatsoever.

Dramatic or Undramatic Nature of One’s Conversion

In a previous article, faith, emotions and the word of God, we addressed the error of basing one’s assurance of salvation on feelings, instead of on the objective truth of God’s word. The danger is that, when we appeal to our emotions instead of truth-based faith, we tend to dismiss any conversion that is undramatic as not genuine. Whilst the Bible records the Philipian jailer’s dramatic conversion experience (Acts 16:25-33), it also takes into account Lydia of Thyatira, whose heart the Lord opened whilst she sat quietly listening to Paul and others share the Gospel (Acts 16:14).

If we were to insist that undramatic experiences were not genuine, we would surely discount the experience of Lydia. But thank God, the Bible does not standardise these variable aspects of conversion. As surely as our faces differ, so do our conversion experiences differ; however they must all bear the same marks of genuineness, if they are to be counted as true Christian conversion. Whether accompanied by great tears or not, whether dramatic or quiet, all Christian conversions ultimately have two permanent marks of genuineness.

Marks of True Conversion

In Acts 20: 18-21, Paul sums up the permanent marks of any true Christian conversion:

And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The New Testament always places emphasis on these two — repenting towards God and placing one’s faith wholly and solely in the Lord Jesus Christ. Genuine repentance is not possible to the carnal man, except his heart is changed through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. John Owen, in his work The Holy Spirit³ aptly captures this saying “Before the work of grace the heart is ‘stony.’ It can do no more than a stone can do to please God.”

Genuine repentance towards God — with the evidence of a changed life from the inside out, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, signify a genuine change of heart. These two are always essential. On this, Joseph Alleine[4] writes,
“More particularly, this change of conversion extends to the whole man. A carnal person may have some shreds of good morality—but he is never good throughout the whole cloth. Conversion is not a repairing of the old building; but it takes all down, and erects a new structure. It is not the sewing on a patch of holiness; but with the true convert, holiness is woven into all his powers, principles and practice. The sincere Christian is quite a new fabric, from the foundation to the top-stone. He is a new man, a new creature; all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17). Conversion is a deep work, a heart work. It makes a new man in a new world. It extends to the whole man, to the mind, to the members, to the motions of the whole life.”

To conclude, anyone who has truly been converted will never turn their back on the faith. There may be seasons of doubt or even a temporal backsliding from grace. However, a true believer will never fall from grace permanently, but will continue to abide in Christ, thereby proving himself or herself to be a true disciple. The case of the Gambian clergy who renounced the faith as addressed in the first part of this article will only, by the passing of time, reveal whether he was genuinely a Christian or a fake. A permanent turn to Islam will prove, as we have gleaned from the Scriptural teaching, that he wasn’t saved at all.

Notes:

1.http://www.ghnewsnow.com/2015/10/12/ghanas-politicians-are-glorified-thieves-mps-corrupt-prof-adei
2. Edwin Starbuck, in “Psychology of Religion”
3. John Owen, in “The Holy Spirit”
4. Joseph Alleine, in “Alarm to Unconverted Sinners”, on “The Nature of Conversion.

The post Fake vs Genuine Conversion II appeared first on TGN.

In the recent past, in the Gambia, there was a big stir among many in Christian circles when a former clergy man announced his conversion to Islam on a national platform. This event doubtless re-ignited the age-old discussion, “does once saved mean forever saved?” – otherwise known in theology as the perseverance of the saints.

Before one can go on to address this question, however, I believe that it is important to settle the controversy of who a genuinely converted Christian is, and who is not? In this two-part article, we will attempt to show from biblical examples how one can tell the difference between the two. This is important because we see in the Scriptures that not all who are in the realm of the Church are genuinely regenerate.

What is Conversion?

Conversion can be defined as the first exercise of the new nature, in ceasing from old forms of life and starting a new one.¹ Notably in conversion, there is a turning from one thing (or one way of life) to another. Although in the Bible we see that the term is sometimes used for a backsliding believer’s return to the Lord (please see Luke 22:31-32), the term is generally confined to a sinner’s (initial) conversion to faith.

A classic text that teaches this doctrine is Matthew 18:3. There, our Lord says,

and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Conversion follows the effectual call of the Gospel. To put it another way, if the call of the Gospel is effectual in us, we will respond. What one does, in response to the effectual call of the Gospel is what we call conversion.

Temporary conversion

In John 6, after feeding the five thousand, myriads of “disciples” started following Jesus on account of the miracle they saw Him perform. In response, Jesus began to tell them how that as the bread of life which came down from heaven, they have to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Pretty hard teaching, isn’t it? “How can he possibly expect us to eat his flesh and drink his blood?” they grumbled. Why would Jesus seem to dissuade these people from following Him? I believe the answer is in what John tells us few chapters earlier:

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25).

Jesus knew those who truly believed in Him and those who were merely following Him because of the miracles. Throughout the epistle of John in particular, we see that there are “believers” who are not true believers at all. I call these, miracle believers. Although these followed Him alright, and had heard Him preach, they did not have genuine heart-faith in Him. These followers had what you might call, a temporary conversion.

In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23), we see a perfect example of a temporary convert. Notice Jesus’ explanation of his parable of the seed which fell on stony ground. This kind of person, says Jesus, receives the word with joy, yet he has no root in himself. Such a seed immediately springs up as a result of lack of depth. This type of “believer” endures only for a little while; however, in the face of tribulation and persecution, he falls away. There was no root all the while (no true life) hence such a seedling could not bear fruit. Of the seeds mentioned in this parable, only the one which fell on the fertile soil represents true converts. Genuine converts last, and they prove that they have true life in Christ by bearing fruits, fruits which last. This is the lesson of the vine and branches.

The Vine and the Branches

In John 15, Jesus uses a metaphor to describe the relationship true believers have with Him as their vital source of life. He says,

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Many people have stumbled at the fact that there are branches in the vine that the husbandman (the Father) cuts off and throws away (verse 2), eventually burning such with fire (verse 6). However, the key to understanding what Jesus says here lies in verse 8: By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

It is our abiding, and bearing fruit that proves we are true branches in the first place. There are some temporary converts who seem to be branches in the vine, but are in reality not, and the evidence is in that they don’t bear fruit. They are like the seed that fell on rocky ground, which fails to bear fruit because they have no root in themselves. Once these hear a searching sermon, or face the slightest tribulations on account of the gospel, they fall back.

Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8)

Simon the sorcerer presents another classic case of temporary conversion (Acts 8:9-13). Following the preaching of Philip, Luke records that Simon believed and even offered himself for baptism. But had he really? Peter’s words few verses later proved what he had experienced was not genuine, for his heart was not perfect before God. Peter rightly discerned that Simon was “in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” – in other words, all his show of conversion was fake. His offering himself for baptism, and attending church with the other converts was all not genuine. He needed to ask God to have mercy on him –for he was not yet saved.

The example of Simon weakens the argument of those who hold that baptism in and of itself has power to save. This is not biblically true, for if it did, then Simon’s heart would have been regenerated as a result of his baptism. But as it were, he was still in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity even after baptism. Obviously, when Peter laid hands for the new converts to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon did not – because he was not a true believer — hence he offered money to Peter to be given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Alas, the gift of God cannot be purchased with money, and God only grants the Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). Simon was not one of those, hence, “he had neither part nor lot in this matter, for his heart was not right before God.”

The Lord Knows Them That Are His

In 1Tim 1:19-20, Paul admonishes Timothy, with regards to “holding faith and a good conscience.” The contrast to this was the example of Hymenaeus and Alexander who had shipwrecked their faith. “By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme“. In his second epistle to Timothy, chapter 2, Paul will again pick up this theme. This time, alluding to how those who have shipwrecked their faith have caused an upset in the Church – and some people are feeling as if all is lost. However, Paul says, the falling away of these false prophets did not take God unawares – He knew them that were His!

Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

The Lord knows them that are His – in other words, Hymanaeus and Philetus were none of His. Some may fall away, but the true people of God – whom He knows, can never be lost. As John says in agreement, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” (1John 2:9). This should be a great comfort to us, and also an admonition to carefully examine ourselves to be sure we are really in the faith. We may be able to fool everybody else, but the Lord knows them that are His. You’re either His, or you’re not. There is no middle ground.

To be continued…

1. Dr Martyn Lloyd-John, on Conversion, www.mljtrust.org

The post Fake vs Genuine Conversion appeared first on TGN.

In a recent sermon by a pastor, he quoted Rev. 3:20 in line with a response to the gospel.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

On many gospel tracts today, it is one of the many verses used. Many quote Rev. 3:20 and point to the fact that, if one opens “his heart” and responds to the gospel call, Christ will come in. But does Rev. 3:20 really say that? Can the unregenerate sinner, dead in his sins, open their heart to believe the gospel?

Context: The Seven Churches

The book of Revelation is primarily eschatological, that is, it focuses on the second coming of Christ; end time teachings. In the Revelation of Christ to John, he gives him a series of messages to be passed unto seven churches in Asia minor. The churches were in Ephesus (Rev.2:1-7), Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11), Pergamum(Rev.2:12-17), Thyatira(Rev.2:18-29), Sardis(Rev. 3:1-6), Philadelphia(Rev 3:7-13) and Laodicea(Rev 3:7-13). To these churches, he commends, condemns, counsels and challenges.

Christ commends the church of Ephesus for their good works, labor, patience, and their hatred of the Nicolaitians. However, he condemned them for leaving their first love and counseled them to remember from where they have fallen and repent. The challenge was to give to each of the tree of life all who overcome. The church in Smyrna, was also recommended for their works, enduring tribulation and poverty. There was not a single word of condemnation for them. However, he counseled them to fear not and continue to be faithful. They were promised not to be hurt by the second death if they overcome.

Those in Pergamum were also commended for their works, for holding fast to his name and not denying the faith. However, they were condemned for having false teachers of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. They were simply told to repent, and to all who overcome, they would be given hidden manner and a white stone

The church in Thyatira also received commendation for their good works, service, faith and patience. However, their condemnation was for allowing Jezebel to teach idolatry and compromising. They were counseled to hold on fast unto what they have until Christ comes, and all who will overcome, were promised millennial leadership and a morning star. After them, the church in Sardis also received commendation for their works. However, they received a more severe condemnation because they were dead and their works were not complete. They were told to watch and strengthen the things that remain, they were also told to remember, hold fast and repent. To all those who overcome, they were promised to be clothed in white raiment. Their name would not be blotted out of the book of life.

The church in Philadelphia received commendation for their works, their missions, their little strength for keeping his word and for not denying his name. Like the church of Smyrna, there was not a single condemnation. They were told to hold fast to what they have, and were promised to be made a pillar and all who overcome, will have written upon them the name of God and a new name.

The Church of Laodicia

I have separated Laodicia from all the others because it is in their letter we see Rev 3:20. This church, had become lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor blind and naked. This was a reference to their spiritual state. Though they were rich physically, their spiritual state was nothing to write home about.

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see (vv.17-18).

Their rebuke, was strong but in verse 19, Christ notes that, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” It is out of love, Christ speaks such strong words like, “spew you out” so that they may repent. This like all the other churches, was their counsel. They were told to be zealous and repent. Like the challenge he threw to all the other churches, he says in verse 20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”  Christ here calls a backsliding church to repentance. Revelation 3:20 is an urgent call to repentance of a lukewarm church. It is important to note that this is a letter to a church not an unbeliever. The church in Laodicea was neither cold nor hot; they had become lukewarm. Christ here then says to a church, that had backslidden, to come back before he returns.

In the broader context of Revelation, which primarily speaks on the return of Christ, Christ the master of the house stands outside the door. This is a reference to the nearness of his coming. It is like what is said in Matthew 24:33: “Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.” James even notes something similar in James 5:9 when he says, “Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!”. There is a sense of urgency about the text. He starts by saying, “Behold”, that is look, a way of capturing the attention of his audience. We must therefore treat Revelation 3:20 as a wake-up call to the church–Christians and not necessarily a call for repentance of the sinner who cannot by themselves open their hearts. Christs’ coming will be sudden and it is so near that it is referenced as “standing at the door”.

Christ is coming, and when he comes he will dine with his bride. Unrepentant sinners will have no place at the table with him. Like those painted in the parable of the ten virgins as sleeping, the church of Laodicea had fallen asleep. They needed to wake up. The church of Laodicea then, was told to repent before he comes, a coming which is near. Those who hear his voice, are his sheep, and they truly repent.

The Problem With Opening Our Hearts

The Bible tells us that fallen humankind are by nature dead in their sins and they cannot open their hearts. To come to saving faith therefore, God will have to regenerate their hearts; replace their heart of stone with a heart of flesh to be able to believe the Gospel. It’s all the work of God. What sinners need is not opening of an old heart but the creation of a new heart to believe the Gospel. And only God can do this through his Holy Spirit. Christ doesn’t need permission to come into the heart of the unregenerate sinner; He is the master of the house. Like Lydia in Acts 16:14, we need God to open our hearts so that we believe in the gospel.

Revelation 3:20 has nothing to do with the gospel being proclaimed to unbelievers. This is a letter written to a church. To apply this text to an unregenerate unbeliever is to simply twist the word of God. Many, in zeal for people to respond quote Revelation 3:20 but it simply does not fit in our evangelistic settings. It is a call to a Church. Shall we put it back in its place?

The post Only God Can Open The Door of A Sinner’s Heart appeared first on TGN.

Over the weekend, in a WhatsApp discussion group I belong to, we welcomed a new member who had just joined the group. During the introductions, one group member, a personal friend, who also happened to be the one who introduced me to Reformed Theology introduced himself thus “I was born into a Christian family so I’ve never really known a time that I wasn’t a professing Christian — but I’m quite sure somewhere along the line, I made a conscious profession of faith in Christ”. I humorously responded; “Born into a Christian home? You’re not a Christian, you need Jesus.”

As I have indicated earlier, it was through this person I was brought into the Reformed faith. And my humorous comment was especially because I share his experience; and we have often spoken about how though we profess faith in Christ, we cannot put date and time to the precise moment when we came to believe in Christ.

Acquainted With The Faith From Childhood

Just like my friend, I grew up in a Christian home and hence my conversion was not as dramatic as that of others. I must confess I envy those who put time –year, date, hour, minute, place– to their conversion. I wish I could, but unfortunately, I don’t have those details. I grew up in a Christian home and as far as I am aware, I have always believed in Christ as my Saviour.

Often, I have tried to trace when I did actually become conscious of a profession of faith. After my Senior High School education in 1997, I enrolled in a discipleship and baptismal class in the church I belonged to then. After the class, with an understanding of my sinfulness and a need for a personal Saviour, I made a profession of faith and was baptised. Nothing changed. No voice from heaven confirmed my salvation. Everything seemed to be normal. With time, I became the youth leader of my local assembly and was actively involved in revitalising an almost non-existent youth group. I entered the university of Ghana in 2000 and joined a campus ministry. There also, I was actively involved. In my third year, things will change during a personal crisis.

During this period, one thing I battled with was assurance of my salvation. As I intimated earlier, I can’t put a date and time to when I was converted, and this became a major reason for me to start questioning whether I was truly saved. I had friends who spoke so fondly of their conversion experience I just started feeling I wasn’t saved. My emotions were at the centre of my lack of assurance. I needed to “feel saved” because I wasn’t “feeling saved”. I went on private retreats to seek God for him to reveal himself and give me the peace of salvation I needed badly. My doubt was the root of my crisis. I felt wretched and couldn’t see myself saved. To settle this once and for all, I began responding to what is popularly called “altar calls” to give my life to Christ. I may have given my life to Christ about 100 times altogether in many different meetings.

One day, I got tired of all the altar calls. I decided to end it. That day, I made a decision to believe the word of God and what it says about salvation. I did for the final time what I have been doing at all those altar calls. I prayed again and asked God to forgive me of all my sins and to give me the heart to believe in his word.

Faith, Emotions and The Word

What is clear in my experience is that I was basing my Christian experience on my emotions more than on the word of God. My Christian experience was all heart and no head. True, saving faith is heart faith, but it is based on the solid truth of God’s word. You see, we all come into the faith differently and our experiences may not be the same. One may have had a dramatic conversion experience like we read of Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-18); another may, like Timothy, be acquainted with the sacred writings from childhood, which are able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2Timothy 3:15, 1Timothy 1:5).

However, the most important means by which we are brought to faith is through the word of Christ. Faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8-9) and the medium by which this faith is administered is through the preaching and the hearing of the word of God (Rom. 10:17). One may be able to remember all the details of their conversion. Another may not be able to explain the fine details about how or when they got saved; however, they do know they have believed in Christ for their salvation.

God’s word promises eternal life for anyone who believes in Christ Jesus as Lord. It also promises that anyone who believes in Christ thus is a child of God. There are many gospel promises in the word of God and if we believe as Scripture calls us to believe (Romans 10:8-10) we will be saved. The word of God is the final authority. Our emotions and feelings may not always align with what God’s word says. But if indeed we have believed in Christ as our Saviour; then we can be “sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

Have you believed in Christ? No one can answer that for you. If in doubt, look to the gospel promises of God in his word.

The post Faith, Emotions and The Word of God. appeared first on TGN.

Consider my first parents, Adam and Eve.
Created perfect, and in the image of God.
God’s communion to enjoy in the eve;
In perfect peace and accord.

Along comes the Tempter
Foolishly, the fall.
They hide from their maker:
But He draws near, in spite, He provided a way out of it all.

I was in Adam.
I fell!
My head rebelled, a rebel I am!
But in spite, God draws near, I hear His call.

Tis mercy all, immense and free!
I deserved nothing but hell and death.
Instead He loved me!
He sent Jesus, to atone for His wrath.

What do I have to glory?
None, but to appeal to the blood that was shed for me!
How can I boast?
He first loved me, in spite of me!

All we are like sheep.
We fell, we rebelled, and we hide for shame.
Herein we know His love was deep,
In spite of us, He calls us by name

As in Adam, so in Christ;
All my guilt and shame, nailed to the tree.
No more in Adam, now in Christ
All In spite of me!

The post Inspite Of Me appeared first on TGN.

The post Chosen, So What? appeared first on TGN.