Marie,<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]Which brings me to this question: Do we have any idea how long one might be regenerate before they consciously know the weightiness of their sin and consciously make a confession of faith?</font><hr></blockquote><p>Some have considered the new birth to be a process a person experiences, even over a period of years. Such an interpretation is not Biblical. Prior to a certain point in time, a person is not-born-again or regenerated; after that point, the person is. The new birth is a sovereign act of God by his Spirit in which the believer is cleansed from sin and given spiritual birth into God's household. <blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]I never even heard of the Sinner's Prayer until highschool. Never even heard of altar calls until highschool either.</font><hr></blockquote><p>Both of these terms come from man-centered theologians who put a lot of emphasis on man's decision and response. They generally appeal to the emotions and focus on an act of faith on the part of an individual which God will honor. In other words: If you do this... God will do that. We don't come to Jesus looking for salvation, He comes to us looking for lost sinners. <br><br><br>Wes <br>

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts