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It is, doubtless, for this reason, that the apostle declares it to be the irrevocable decree of the Almighty, that "without holiness, (without being made pure by regeneration, and having the image of God thereby reinstamped upon the soul) no may shall see the Lord." And it is very observable, that our divine Master, in the famous passage before referred to, concerning the absolute necessity of regeneration, does not say, Unless a man be born again, he SHALL NOT, but "unless a man be born again, he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God."

Inability Jerry...man CAN NOT...no matter though as he does not want to anyway...

Yep, men cannot be saved without the new birth. Note, however, that this in no way invalidates the Scriptural command that all men should repent of their sin and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. You are correct that they ever will do this without the saving work of God's Spirit.

Do you ever get to hear Dr. Erwin Lutzer of Moody Bible Church - in his RAdio Program: Running to Win? (I think that's the name).

It is fantastic - and I am now reading the first book mentioned in Dr. Lutzer's comments quoted below at the Moody Radio Ministry website:

Here are some comments from him at that website:

"How You Can Be Sure That You Will Spend Eternity With God will enable people to see that we are saved by a sovereign work of God and can be brought to full assurance of faith."

One Minute After You Die has already been used by God to bring men and women to saving faith in Christ. This book explains what the Bible has to say about the eternal destinations of both believers and unbelievers."

If people are more into hearing than to reading the posts here - I would suggest they find a radio station that carries this program and tune in.

It is, doubtless, for this reason, that the apostle declares it to be the irrevocable decree of the Almighty, that "without holiness, (without being made pure by regeneration, and having the image of God thereby reinstamped upon the soul) no may shall see the Lord." And it is very observable, that our divine Master, in the famous passage before referred to, concerning the absolute necessity of regeneration, does not say, Unless a man be born again, he SHALL NOT, but "unless a man be born again, he CANNOT enter into the kingdom of God." Inability Jerry...man CAN NOT...no matter though as he does not want to anyway...

It is a real stretch to try and make that passage teach regeneration before faith. It is not teaching that at all.

As for inability

Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble, thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear (Ps.10:17)

God knows those who wants to know and will provide the light to make a decision (2Cor.4:6).

Cornilus was a devout man who was not yet a believer, yet he was seeking God and God led him to Simon Peter to receive the Gospel and make a decision to believe or not