The Highway Forums Announcements What's New on The Highway website? Regeneration: from Jonathan Edwards: A Mini-Theology

For some this will come as a needed 'relief' because this month's Article of the Month is VERY short. The author is one of my all-time favorites; John H. Gerstner who was one of the most renown experts on Jonathan Edwards. I think that the brevity of the article in no manner diminishes the information it provides. Over my travels as a Christian I too often come across individuals who insist that faith precedes regeneration, in their understanding the order of the human experience of salvation goes something like this: faith>conversion>regeneration>sanctification. But of course, the fundamental issue if one embraces the biblical teaching concerning the fallen nature of man, i.e., corrupt, totally depraved, evil, wicked, God-hating, etc., then logically faith cannot emerge from some a creature who will not see the need to repent and believe upon the Savior Christ Jesus in order to have their sins remitted and be reconciled to God. Some claim that the Puritans taught that faith preceded faith and that regeneration flowed from conversion thereafter. However, this is unfortunately a mistake due to the definition of terms used in that day vs. the more specific definitions used by later theologians who sought a more accurate way of conveying the true biblical definition and understanding of the specific terms, i.e., calling, regeneration, conviction, faith, conversion and sanctification which is the proper order. Yes, there are exceptions to be found among the writings of some, but they were not received as teaching the truth in this particular matter.

So, in this article, Gerstner provides us with an excellent example from the writings of Jonathan Edwards and his understanding of terms and in particular, regeneration. I hope you find this short presentation of much help when reading some of the older writings of the Puritans and others and clear up any possible misunderstanding you might possibly have in your own on this most fundamental subject.

You can read this month's Article by clicking here:Regeneration: from Jonathan Edwards: A Mini-Theology.

For later reading simply visit The Highway website and click on the "Article of the Month" logo.

In His service and grace,