The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Regeneration Difference between O.T. & N.T.

Methinks you are basing too much of your view(s) upon personal deductions and not upon Scriptural statements which teach otherwise. What and/or who determines how far one can sin and cross some line which "goes beyond backsliding"? Is there biblical support that a justified believer cannot commit certain sins?

The promise of the coming Messiah and faith in that immutable promise was sufficient to justify the saints of the O.T.:

Isaiah 45:22 (ASV) "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else."

Romans 4:3 (KJV) "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Galatians 3:6 "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

James 2:23 (KJV) "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."

In fact, Jesus Christ Himself testified that Abraham even "saw" Him and rejoiced in that fact.

John 8:56 (ASV) "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad."

Further, Paul used much of the Old Testament Scriptures to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and because of which many believed and were saved:

Acts 28:23 (ASV) "And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded [the matter,] testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

That the ministration of the Holy Spirit differed between the Old and New Covenant, the means of salvation was one and the same; from Adam to the last man. It is the Holy Spirit who regenerates the spiritually dead hearts of the elect in all ages. It is the same grace of faith which rests in Christ regardless of the age it is given. Without the inner working of the Spirit's regeneration, there can be no faith found in any man. (Jh 6:44)

That the OT saints looked forward to the coming of the Savior is no different than present-day sinners looking back upon the completed work of the Savior. The types and shadows which those in the OT had was sufficient to show the need of grace and salvation. Our hope is not to be found "within us" but rather outside of us, looking unto Christ the author and finisher of our faith. The Holy Spirit does not save!! Christ, the Lord Christ and Him alone is our only Mediator and Savior. The Spirit simply applies the redemption merited by Christ's active obedience and passive obedience. That is why the Spirit MUST work the same in EVERY sinner from Adam to the last man on earth to bring salvation to those who believe.

In His grace,