Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 09:2 (Fall 2012)
Article: Commentary On Article 5: The Regeneration Of The Sinner
Author: Ronnie Rogers

JBTM 9:2 (Fall 2012) p. 57

Commentary On Article 5:
The Regeneration Of The Sinner

Ronnie Rogers

Ronnie Rogers is Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Norman, Oklahoma. He has served in various denominational roles, including President of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

Editor’s Note: This chapter draws from “Faith and Regeneration,” published previously in my book Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist (Bloomington, IN: CrossBooks, 2012), 53–60.

Article Five:
The Regeneration Of The Sinner

We affirm that any person who responds to the Gospel with repentance and faith is born again through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is a new creation in Christ and enters, at the moment he believes, into eternal life.

We deny that any person is regenerated prior to or apart from hearing and responding to the Gospel.

Luke 15:24; John 3:3; 7:37–39; 10:10; 16:7–14; Acts 2:37–39; Romans 6:4–11; 10:14; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 6:15; Colossians 2:1357 58

This chapter summarizes the Traditional Southern Baptist view of the relationship of faith and regeneration—being born again. Most Calvinists teach that regeneration precedes faith, which will result in a free but determined act of faith.1 Non-Calvinists believe that faith precedes regeneration or that regeneration occurs, as stated in the TS, “at the moment he believes.”2 I will also point out how some of the harsh realities of Calvinism are contrary to the clear teachings of Scripture. I call these “disquieting realities.” Although they are unsettling, one must accept them if he is going to be a consistent Calvinist.

The Scripture affirms that faith precedes and is the prerequisite for regeneration—being born again (John 1:12–13; 3:3, 15–16, You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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