nature (2 Peter 1:4) there is a sense in which we resemble our Father. The pain associated with physical birth parallels the cutting to the heart that accompanies true conviction. Being born again is itself a change that God brings about then, apart from us. The very word regeneration suggests we are passive. Yet when we say passive, we must be clear about what that means. We are not to be complacent about salvation, yet we must recognize that only God can regenerate. In regeneration our wills are
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