Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 15 by reading up to the heading '3. The Evangelical Doctrine'.
My summary
This week we begin the final volume in Hodge's work by reading about regeneration.
Firstly Hodge outlines the usage of the word in history.
Then Hodge proceeds to dispel false notions of regeneration by teaching us:
(i) that regeneration is not a change in the substance of the soul;
(ii) that regeneration does not consist in an act of the soul;
(iii) Emmon's view;
(iv) Finney's view;
(v) Taylor's view;
(vi) that regeneration is not a change in any one faculty of the soul;
(vii) that regeneration is not merely illumination;
(viii) that regeneration is not a change of the higher, as distinguished from the lower powers of the soul;
(ix) modern speculative views;
(x) Ebrard's view;
(xi) Delitzsch's view;
(xii) the Latin Church's view;
(xiii) the Church of England views.
Next week we'll hear the 'right' view.
What grabbed me
I liked this comment on true regeneration: 'By a consent almost universal the word regeneration is now used to designate, not the whole work of sanctification, nor the first stages of that work comprehended in conversion, much less justification or any mere external change of state, but the instantaneous change from spiritual death to spiritual life. Regeneration, therefore, is a spiritual resurrection ; the beginning of a new life. Sometimes the word expresses the act of God. God regenerates. Sometimes it designates the subjective effect of his act. The sinner is regenerated. He becomes a new creature. He is born again. And this is his regeneration.'
Indeed!
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 15.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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