The Fundamentals - Torrey - LI - Chapter 9 (The nature of regeneration) & 10 (Regeneration - Conversion - Reformation)

Required reading
The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 9 (The nature of regeneration) and 10 (Regeneration - Conversion - Reformation).

My summary
Today we read two chapters.

Firstly Boston discusses the nature of regeneration by teaching us about:
(i) false conceptions of regeneration;
(ii) how regeneration may be marred;
(iii) how real regeneration is evidenced.

Then Lasher looks at the difference between:
(i) regeneration;
(ii) conversion;
(iii) reformation.

What grabbed me
I think Lasher may have been splitting hairs when he said regeneration is not conversion or reformation.  It all comes down to what you mean by conversion and reformation.  For me, true conversion and true reformation of the heart is indeed regeneration.

But I did like Boston's points about what is not necessarily a sign of regeneration.  For example: 'Good education is not regeneration.  Education may chain up men's lusts, but cannot change their hearts.  A wolf is still a ravenous beast, though it be in chains.'

Just because someone is educated in the Bible, does not mean they are converted.  But sadly many pulpits are filled with such people because they believe such a falsehood.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 11 (Justification by faith).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.