Pilgrim,

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It can't! When a person is regenerated, the new spiritual nature created has an insatiable predisposition to seek God and to be reconciled by faith in Christ. In fact, the sinner who has been given this new nature (born from above) will do anything it takes to find salvation in Christ. (Matt 11:12)


Irresistable grace after conversion seems a little incongruent for someone named "simul iustus et peccator". Isn't all sin resistance to grace? Instead of trusting in our new nature to find salvation in Christ, shouldn't we trust in Christ alone and avail ourselves of the Word through which the Holy Spirit works to sanctify us and keep us in repentance and faith?

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I have already stated that there are some Calvinists who do hold that there can be an extended period of time between regeneration and conversion. However, they are in the minority. What you are wondering re: "an essential feature of Calvinism", is a question I don't understand.

It is an essential feature of Lutheranism because regeneration and justification by faith are treated as a single event in the confessions. If someone holds a different view, he should not call himself Lutheran.

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For when man is justified through faith (which the Holy Ghost alone works), this is truly a regeneration, because from a child of wrath he becomes a child of God, and thus is transferred from death to life, as it is written: When we were dead in sins, He hath quickened us together with Christ, Eph. 2, 5. Likewise: The just shall live by faith, Rom. 1, 17; Hab. 2, 4.


Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Righteousness of Faith

Shouldn't Calvinist confessions include a similar statement? It appears to me that the Calvinist confessions have opened the door to synergism where man is not just involved in justification but is an active participant.

Last edited by speratus; Sat Oct 02, 2004 9:08 AM.