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To: P-Marlowe
You added later that "regeneration precedes faith." Is regeneration and being born again the same thing. I have seen Calvinists argue both sides. From my recollection most seem to believe that regeneration precedes being born again and others argue that there is no difference. Apparently the author of this article is of the opinion that regeneration and being born again are synonymous and that the order is: election, redemption and then regeneration.

Regeneration is synonymous with "Born Again" (Re-Generate -- "Again Born"). Further, I don't know why you divided Redemption and Regeneration in the Calvinist ordo salutis -- God Redeems dead sinners by Regenerating them.

In the case of an infant who dies in infancy, there does not appear to be any need for "regeneration" before redemption since there is no need to change the heart of the infant who dies to make it willing to exercise faith in order to be saved.

Of course there is a need for Regeneration, to change the "heart" (i.e., the spiritual constitution) of an Unregenerate Infant. All humans born of Adam are conceived Spiritually Dead. In order to enter Heaven, they must be made Spiritually Alive -- Regenerated.

44 posted on 10/15/2004 9:11:21 AM PDT by OrthodoxPresbyterian (We are Unworthy Servants; We have only done Our Duty)
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To: OrthodoxPresbyterian; xzins; Corin Stormhands
I've seen it argued by Calvinists that the regeneration which preceeds faith is different from being born again which is the result not the cause of salvation. You seem to take the position that one is made a new creation in Christ apart from and prior to the exercise of faith. But since faith is a necessary element of salvation, this would mean that one is actually saved before the exercise of faith which would appear to contradict the scriptures which state clearly that we are saved "by Grace through faith."
47 posted on 10/15/2004 9:37:32 AM PDT by P-Marlowe
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