Pilgrim,

I'm still not 100% clear on this.

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All of those texts deal directly and specifically in regard to those who are NOT "unborn, infants, mentally retarded, etc." but rather to those who are physically/mentally capable of hearing and comprehending the Gospel.

Perfectly understandable, yes.

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The answer to your question is found in the fact that no one is capable of hearing, never mind believing upon Christ unless they are "born again" (aka: regenerated).

Ok, I'm a little confused by this. Is justification and regeneration the same thing? Or they are 2 things that occur at the same time?

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It is from the newly (re)created nature that the ability to hear (inward call; irresistible grace) and believe flow.

Now I am HECTICALLY confused! Hehe! I recall being convicted of sin and my hopelessness before God BEFORE I was saved by grace through faith. Doesn't the inward call (i.e. conviction of sin and realising one's total depravity) start to happen BEFORE one is regenerated? Or am I misunderstanding what the inward call is?

AHHH! I'm so confused! All I know is that the blood of Jesus is sufficient to cleanse me from my sin! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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However, in the case of those individuals you have asked about, the outward expressions of regeneration will not be evident.

I still don't understand how they can come to salvation without hearing/reading/grasping/understanding the way of salvation. Are you implying that God reveals His plan of salvation to those people through spiritual means? Is there Scripture to back this up?

I actually think it's my confusion as to what exactly JUSTIFICATION and REGENERATION are that are the cause of my confusion..

Sincerely,
Dave

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~ The worth & excellence of a man is measured by the object of his love. That is why we make God the object of our love! ~
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