" Regeneration and Growth "

 

Psalm 19:7  "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."

     GOD's WORD provides the way of regeneration: "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (v.7a). The "Law," the doctrine contained in Holy Scripture, details GOD's way of salvation. It is "perfect" -- nothing is missing. The Gospel message is the incorruptible seed and is absolutely necessary in order for conversion to occur (1st.Peter 1:3, 23 both pictured above). Today, some teach that believers should minimize the use of Scripture in order to win the lost to CHRIST, but we must remember that the only means to salvation has not changed: Faith alone saves, and "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of GOD" (Romans 10:17; John 5:24; Ephesians 2:8-9). In order to be saved, one must submit to the biblical fact that he is utterly lost and needs to believe what Scripture says concerning GOD's way of salvation through faith in the crucified and risen SAVIOR. Apart from the Bible, man knows nothing of GOD's plan of redemption.

     The WORD of GOD is fundamental not only to the believer's regeneration but also to his spiritual growth -- "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple" (v.7b). As spiritual babies, we are to "desire the sincere milk of the WORD" if we are to grow and develop (1st.Peter 2:2). No better source -- actually, no other source -- of truth exists than that found in GOD's WORD. While young Christians must feed on it if they are to mature, we must remember that every believer continually needs to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD" (2nd.Peter 3:18 pictured above); the HOLY SPIRIT's ministry through the believer's Bible study brings this to pass. Growth is predicated upon knowledge of spiritual truth, which can only be found in the sure "testimonies of the LORD." DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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