THE SOLE CAUSE
Calvinists
insist that the sole cause of regeneration or being born again is the
will of God. God first sovereignly and efficaciously regenerates, and
only in consequence of that do we act. Therefore, the individual is
passive in regeneration, neither preparing himself nor making himself
receptive to what God will do. Regeneration is a change wrought in us by
God, not an autonomous act performed by
us for ourselves. Man’s status in regard to regeneration is that of a
recipient, not a contributor. Man is spiritually, in relation to
regeneration, what Lazarus was physically, in relation to resurrection:
dead, passive, unable to do anything at all, wholly subject to the will
of Him who gives life and breath to whomever He desires.
- Sam Storms