Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - XXVIII - Chapter 3 Regeneration commenced

Required reading  

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or here) - Commence Chapter 3 'Regeneration' by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'In connection with the doctrine that God is the sole author of regeneration, several particulars are noticed.' (Page 510 in my edition)

My summary  

Today we begin a new chapter on regeneration.

Firstly Shedd teaches the nuances between regeneration and conversion.

Then he notes the following characteristics respecting regeneration:

(i) regeneration is solely the work of God;

(ii) regeneration as the creative and life-giving act of God produces an effect on the human understanding;

(iii) regeneration with respect to the human will is 'renewal';

(iv) man is passive in regeneration;

(v) man cannot co-operate in regeneration;

(vi) regeneration is a work of God in the human soul that is below consciousness;

(vii) regeneration is not effected by the use of means;

(viii) regeneration is the cause of conversion.

What grabbed me

I appreciated Shedd's articulation of the fact that regeneration is not effected by the use of means: 'Regeneration is not effected by the use of means, in the strict signification of the term " means." The Holy Spirit employs means in conviction, in conversion, and in sanctification, but not in regeneration. The appointed means of grace are the word, the sacraments, and prayer. None of these means are used in the instant of regeneration ; first, because regeneration is instantaneous, and there is not time to use them ; secondly, because regeneration is a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon the human spirit. It is the action of Spirit upon spirit, of a Divine person upon a human person, whereby spiritual life is imparted. Nothing, therefore, of the nature of means or instruments can come between the Holy Ghost and the soul that is to be made alive. God did not employ an instrument or means, when he infused physical life into the body of Adam. There were only two factors: the dust of the ground, and the creative power of God which vivified that dust. The Divine omnipotence and dead matter were brought into direct contact, with nothing intervening. The dust was not a means or instrument by which God originated life. So in regeneration there are only two factors : the human soul destitute of spiritual life, and the Holy Spirit who quickens it. The dead soul is not an instrument by which spiritual life is originated, but the subject in which it is originated.'

All of grace.  All of grace.

Next week's reading    

Conclude Chapter 3 'Regeneration'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.