What You Should Know About Christian Conversion [TGC Podcast Ep. 415]

We are here today to talk about We are here today to talk about conversion and uh my conversation conversion and uh my conversation conversion and uh my conversation partner has written a book on conversion partner has written a book on conversion partner has written a book on conversion which you should get a hold of. It's in which you should get a hold of. It's in which you should get a hold of. It's in the nine mark series and it's just the nine mark series and it's just the nine mark series and it's just called conversion. And my conversation called conversion. And my conversation called conversion. And my conversation partner is Dr. Michael Lawrence of the partner is Dr. Michael Lawrence of the partner is Dr. Michael Lawrence of the Henen Baptist Church in Portland, Henen Baptist Church in Portland, Henen Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. And Michael, we've known one Oregon. And Michael, we've known one Oregon. And Michael, we've known one another for like 25 years or more. I another for like 25 years or more. I another for like 25 years or more. I mean a long time. We met through Mark mean a long time. We met through Mark mean a long time. We met through Mark Ever uh who's at Capitol Hill Baptist Ever uh who's at Capitol Hill Baptist Ever uh who's at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC. But but Michael Church in Washington DC. But but Michael Church in Washington DC. But but Michael went to Gordon Conwell with some friends went to Gordon Conwell with some friends went to Gordon Conwell with some friends of mine. We we had mutual friends back of mine. We we had mutual friends back of mine. We we had mutual friends back then. I'm Lian Duncan and I'm the then. I'm Lian Duncan and I'm the then. I'm Lian Duncan and I'm the chancellor and CEO of Reformed chancellor and CEO of Reformed chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. I was a Theological Seminary. I was a Theological Seminary. I was a Presbyterian pastor for 17 years and Presbyterian pastor for 17 years and Presbyterian pastor for 17 years and then I've for the last 12 or so years then I've for the last 12 or so years then I've for the last 12 or so years I've been the chancellor of the I've been the chancellor of the I've been the chancellor of the seminary. So we're going to have a seminary. So we're going to have a seminary. So we're going to have a conversation about conversion today. conversation about conversion today. conversation about conversion today. That's right. That's right. Now Michael That's right. That's right. Now Michael That's right. That's right. Now Michael has also written on the topic of has also written on the topic of has also written on the topic of biblical theology and that is going to biblical theology and that is going to biblical theology and that is going to come into play. But I want to start out come into play. But I want to start out come into play. But I want to start out with some definitions. Sure. So, with some definitions. Sure. So, with some definitions. Sure. So, obviously we're at the Gospel Coalition obviously we're at the Gospel Coalition obviously we're at the Gospel Coalition National Conference. We all care about National Conference. We all care about National Conference. We all care about conversion. So, what is conversion? What conversion. So, what is conversion? What conversion. So, what is conversion? What is conversion? It's a great question.

is conversion? It's a great question. is conversion? It's a great question. Uh, conversion is a word that that we're Uh, conversion is a word that that we're Uh, conversion is a word that that we're all familiar with. I mean, conversion all familiar with. I mean, conversion all familiar with. I mean, conversion just means changing from one thing to just means changing from one thing to just means changing from one thing to another thing. So, we convert currency, another thing. So, we convert currency, another thing. So, we convert currency, you know, from dollars to pounds or you know, from dollars to pounds or you know, from dollars to pounds or pounds to dollars. Uh, people convert pounds to dollars. Uh, people convert pounds to dollars. Uh, people convert from being Republicans to Democrats or from being Republicans to Democrats or from being Republicans to Democrats or Democrats to Republican. And I have Democrats to Republican. And I have Democrats to Republican. And I have family members who have converted to family members who have converted to family members who have converted to vegetarianism. In one sense, uh that's vegetarianism. In one sense, uh that's vegetarianism. In one sense, uh that's all conversion is. It is changing from all conversion is. It is changing from all conversion is. It is changing from one thing to another thing. But one thing to another thing. But one thing to another thing. But Christian conversion Christian conversion Christian conversion uh we understand to be unique and uh we understand to be unique and uh we understand to be unique and different from all of those other kinds different from all of those other kinds different from all of those other kinds of changes that people make which are of changes that people make which are of changes that people make which are basically just lifestyle choices that we basically just lifestyle choices that we basically just lifestyle choices that we understand. Conversion is when when God understand. Conversion is when when God understand. Conversion is when when God actually reaches in and changes a actually reaches in and changes a actually reaches in and changes a person. When he rescues someone from the person. When he rescues someone from the person. When he rescues someone from the kingdom of darkness and brings them into kingdom of darkness and brings them into kingdom of darkness and brings them into the kingdom of light. When he takes them the kingdom of light. When he takes them the kingdom of light. When he takes them from being dead and makes them alive in from being dead and makes them alive in from being dead and makes them alive in Jesus Christ. And uh when someone is Jesus Christ. And uh when someone is Jesus Christ. And uh when someone is regenerated, we call that regeneration. regenerated, we call that regeneration. regenerated, we call that regeneration. That's the first major work of That's the first major work of That's the first major work of conversion. Conversion is first God's conversion. Conversion is first God's conversion. Conversion is first God's work. uh what what does this work. uh what what does this work. uh what what does this now alive person, somebody who's been now alive person, somebody who's been now alive person, somebody who's been made alive by the spirit, what do they made alive by the spirit, what do they made alive by the spirit, what do they do? Uh in accordance with the this new do? Uh in accordance with the this new do? Uh in accordance with the this new nature that God's given them, they nature that God's given them, they nature that God's given them, they repent and believe and they they trust repent and believe and they they trust repent and believe and they they trust God and they follow God. So conversion God and they follow God. So conversion God and they follow God. So conversion from the Bible's perspective is both from the Bible's perspective is both from the Bible's perspective is both God's work and our work. It begins with God's work and our work. It begins with God's work and our work. It begins with him. He must make a change in us, a him. He must make a change in us, a him. He must make a change in us, a change that we can't make in ourselves change that we can't make in ourselves change that we can't make in ourselves in view of what Christ has done. And in view of what Christ has done. And in view of what Christ has done. And then it follows with the response from

then it follows with the response from then it follows with the response from us of repentance and faith. Now, us of repentance and faith. Now, us of repentance and faith. Now, Michael, we were talking just a few Michael, we were talking just a few Michael, we were talking just a few moments ago when when we're talking moments ago when when we're talking moments ago when when we're talking about conversion in about conversion in about conversion in 2025, there's a whole history here in 2025, there's a whole history here in 2025, there's a whole history here in North America going back maybe 175 years North America going back maybe 175 years North America going back maybe 175 years where there there's definitely a stream where there there's definitely a stream where there there's definitely a stream in American Protestant Christianity that in American Protestant Christianity that in American Protestant Christianity that kind of says conversion is something we kind of says conversion is something we kind of says conversion is something we do. Oh, very much. It's my choice. It's do. Oh, very much. It's my choice. It's do. Oh, very much. It's my choice. It's my decision. It's my choice. It's my my decision. It's my choice. It's my my decision. It's my choice. It's my decision. And in fact, uh, men that decision. And in fact, uh, men that decision. And in fact, uh, men that loved Jesus and wanted to see people go loved Jesus and wanted to see people go loved Jesus and wanted to see people go to heaven, not hell, uh, figured out, to heaven, not hell, uh, figured out, to heaven, not hell, uh, figured out, uh, particularly the second great uh, particularly the second great uh, particularly the second great awakening. Uh, that there are all sorts awakening. Uh, that there are all sorts awakening. Uh, that there are all sorts of things that we can do that will of things that we can do that will of things that we can do that will encourage people to make a decision for encourage people to make a decision for encourage people to make a decision for Jesus. Uh and following on from that, Jesus. Uh and following on from that, Jesus. Uh and following on from that, conversion quickly became reduced to conversion quickly became reduced to conversion quickly became reduced to nothing more than a decision I make. It nothing more than a decision I make. It nothing more than a decision I make. It it might be expressed through a prayer I it might be expressed through a prayer I it might be expressed through a prayer I pray or I raise my hand in a meeting or pray or I raise my hand in a meeting or pray or I raise my hand in a meeting or I walk down an aisle or I sign a card.

I walk down an aisle or I sign a card. I walk down an aisle or I sign a card. But conversion becomes reduced to But conversion becomes reduced to But conversion becomes reduced to something that I do. Yeah. something that I do. Yeah. something that I do. Yeah. uh which if if you were here earlier uh which if if you were here earlier uh which if if you were here earlier this morning and and you heard uh John this morning and and you heard uh John this morning and and you heard uh John talk about Ephesians chapter 1, you'll talk about Ephesians chapter 1, you'll talk about Ephesians chapter 1, you'll understand that is not the Bible's understand that is not the Bible's understand that is not the Bible's understanding of what happens. What must understanding of what happens. What must understanding of what happens. What must first what must first happen is God does first what must first happen is God does first what must first happen is God does something. Yeah. something. Yeah. something. Yeah. And it it you know we we were also And it it you know we we were also And it it you know we we were also saying that that the the kind of saying that that the the kind of saying that that the the kind of challenge that gospel preaching me and challenge that gospel preaching me and challenge that gospel preaching me and by the way CH Spurgeon totally stood by the way CH Spurgeon totally stood by the way CH Spurgeon totally stood over against that tradition in the way over against that tradition in the way over against that tradition in the way that he preached. That's right. Very that he preached. That's right. Very that he preached. That's right. Very strong emphasis that only God can change strong emphasis that only God can change strong emphasis that only God can change you. That's right. Only God can renew you. That's right. Only God can renew you. That's right. Only God can renew you. That's exactly right. And so he's you. That's exactly right. And so he's you. That's exactly right. And so he's really bucking that trend in the 19th really bucking that trend in the 19th really bucking that trend in the 19th century. and and and there there are century. and and and there there are century. and and and there there are streams of faithful Baptists and streams of faithful Baptists and streams of faithful Baptists and Presbyterians and others in Presbyterians and others in Presbyterians and others in congregationalists and others that that congregationalists and others that that congregationalists and others that that hold on to that what what theologians hold on to that what what theologians hold on to that what what theologians would call divine monergistic would call divine monergistic would call divine monergistic regeneration that God's at work by his regeneration that God's at work by his regeneration that God's at work by his power to change a sinner's heart. And power to change a sinner's heart. And power to change a sinner's heart. And you even get it in some of the himnity.

you even get it in some of the himnity. you even get it in some of the himnity. There's a there's an old song that was There's a there's an old song that was There's a there's an old song that was in the southern harmony which was a in the southern harmony which was a in the southern harmony which was a shapenote himnil in the 19th century shapenote himnil in the 19th century shapenote himnil in the 19th century that um goes I sought the that um goes I sought the that um goes I sought the Lord but afterward I knew he moved my Lord but afterward I knew he moved my Lord but afterward I knew he moved my soul to seek him seeking me. It was not soul to seek him seeking me. It was not soul to seek him seeking me. It was not I who found. Oh Savior true. No, I was I who found. Oh Savior true. No, I was I who found. Oh Savior true. No, I was found of thee. And so that that's found of thee. And so that that's found of thee. And so that that's getting it exactly what you're talking getting it exactly what you're talking getting it exactly what you're talking about. So what's in what what hits me about. So what's in what what hits me about. So what's in what what hits me when I look at Michael's book is he when I look at Michael's book is he when I look at Michael's book is he starts out with that. That's where he starts out with that. That's where he starts out with that. That's where he starts with God's work to convert us. starts with God's work to convert us. starts with God's work to convert us. And that's not theologians organize this And that's not theologians organize this And that's not theologians organize this differently. I mean you read different differently. I mean you read different differently. I mean you read different systematic theologians and they'll systematic theologians and they'll systematic theologians and they'll sometimes you'll read a good a good sometimes you'll read a good a good sometimes you'll read a good a good solid orthodox evangelical systematic solid orthodox evangelical systematic solid orthodox evangelical systematic theologian that will talk about theologian that will talk about theologian that will talk about conversion only in terms of faith and conversion only in terms of faith and conversion only in terms of faith and repentance right and separate repentance right and separate repentance right and separate regeneration but in your book you start regeneration but in your book you start regeneration but in your book you start with regeneration and move to repentance with regeneration and move to repentance with regeneration and move to repentance and faith so why did you do that well and faith so why did you do that well and faith so why did you do that well because I think this is one of the great because I think this is one of the great because I think this is one of the great problems of the American church uh problems of the American church uh problems of the American church uh having reduced conversion to to simply a having reduced conversion to to simply a having reduced conversion to to simply a decision that I make my repentance and decision that I make my repentance and decision that I make my repentance and faith and divorcing it from the prior faith and divorcing it from the prior faith and divorcing it from the prior work of God. I I I find that well when I work of God. I I I find that well when I work of God. I I I find that well when I got to my church 15 years ago, I had all got to my church 15 years ago, I had all got to my church 15 years ago, I had all sorts of parents who were older than me.

sorts of parents who were older than me. sorts of parents who were older than me. Their kids were a little bit older and Their kids were a little bit older and Their kids were a little bit older and and they came to me and and they would and they came to me and and they would and they came to me and and they would say to me, "Pastor, what did we do say to me, "Pastor, what did we do say to me, "Pastor, what did we do wrong?" We we brought them to church. We wrong?" We we brought them to church. We wrong?" We we brought them to church. We brought them to youth group. They said brought them to youth group. They said brought them to youth group. They said the sinner's the sinner's the sinner's prayer, but now they don't want anything prayer, but now they don't want anything prayer, but now they don't want anything to do with Jesus. We We did all the to do with Jesus. We We did all the to do with Jesus. We We did all the things that we were told to do. They got things that we were told to do. They got things that we were told to do. They got baptized. They they they made all the baptized. They they they made all the baptized. They they they made all the right noises, you know, and yet now 1015 right noises, you know, and yet now 1015 right noises, you know, and yet now 1015 years later, they're nice. They're good years later, they're nice. They're good years later, they're nice. They're good kids, but they have no interest in kids, but they have no interest in kids, but they have no interest in Jesus. I I fear that this is like an own Jesus. I I fear that this is like an own Jesus. I I fear that this is like an own goal, right? We've done this to goal, right? We've done this to goal, right? We've done this to ourselves by reducing conversion uh to ourselves by reducing conversion uh to ourselves by reducing conversion uh to simply a kind of mechanistic decision simply a kind of mechanistic decision simply a kind of mechanistic decision and then we chalk it up. So I wanted to and then we chalk it up. So I wanted to and then we chalk it up. So I wanted to get behind that with this book and start get behind that with this book and start get behind that with this book and start with well what what has to happen first with well what what has to happen first with well what what has to happen first actually. Yeah. And if we understand actually. Yeah. And if we understand actually. Yeah. And if we understand that conversion is first God's work that conversion is first God's work that conversion is first God's work before it's our work, uh that has before it's our work, uh that has before it's our work, uh that has downstream consequences for the way we downstream consequences for the way we downstream consequences for the way we do evangelism, for the way we think do evangelism, for the way we think do evangelism, for the way we think about disciplehip, for the way we about disciplehip, for the way we about disciplehip, for the way we approach church membership and how we approach church membership and how we approach church membership and how we think about church discipline. I mean, think about church discipline. I mean, think about church discipline. I mean, it has all sorts of consequences that it has all sorts of consequences that it has all sorts of consequences that flow. But none of those make sense flow. But none of those make sense flow. But none of those make sense unless we understand that conversion is unless we understand that conversion is unless we understand that conversion is first God's work before it's ours. So first God's work before it's ours. So first God's work before it's ours. So good. But the um Matthew and Mark will good. But the um Matthew and Mark will good. But the um Matthew and Mark will go out of their way to tell us that in go out of their way to tell us that in go out of their way to tell us that in both John the Baptist preaching ministry both John the Baptist preaching ministry both John the Baptist preaching ministry and in Jesus preaching ministry that the and in Jesus preaching ministry that the and in Jesus preaching ministry that the the the message of repentance was a

the the message of repentance was a the the message of repentance was a really important part of their really important part of their really important part of their proclamation. But there's a conversation proclamation. But there's a conversation proclamation. But there's a conversation in the Gospel of in the Gospel of in the Gospel of John between Jesus and Nicodemus where John between Jesus and Nicodemus where John between Jesus and Nicodemus where Nicodemus wants to ask Jesus some Nicodemus wants to ask Jesus some Nicodemus wants to ask Jesus some questions about that and Jesus says questions about that and Jesus says questions about that and Jesus says something to him that totally blows his something to him that totally blows his something to him that totally blows his mind and you you camp on that a good bit mind and you you camp on that a good bit mind and you you camp on that a good bit in the first chapter. So walk walk us in the first chapter. So walk walk us in the first chapter. So walk walk us through that conversation with Nicodemus through that conversation with Nicodemus through that conversation with Nicodemus and Jesus. Yeah. So just just real quick and Jesus. Yeah. So just just real quick and Jesus. Yeah. So just just real quick uh Nicodemus comes he wants to know uh uh Nicodemus comes he wants to know uh uh Nicodemus comes he wants to know uh he flatters Jesus. He said, "Oh, we know he flatters Jesus. He said, "Oh, we know he flatters Jesus. He said, "Oh, we know you're such a great teacher." you know you're such a great teacher." you know you're such a great teacher." you know and uh but basically you know Jesus has and uh but basically you know Jesus has and uh but basically you know Jesus has come talking about how you get in the come talking about how you get in the come talking about how you get in the kingdom of God and the Pharisees they kingdom of God and the Pharisees they kingdom of God and the Pharisees they know how you get in the kingdom of God know how you get in the kingdom of God know how you get in the kingdom of God and so he comes basically saying hey why and so he comes basically saying hey why and so he comes basically saying hey why should we listen to you and Jesus should we listen to you and Jesus should we listen to you and Jesus response to him is you must be born response to him is you must be born response to him is you must be born again and Nicodemus's response is if I again and Nicodemus's response is if I again and Nicodemus's response is if I can paraphrase Jesus that's can paraphrase Jesus that's can paraphrase Jesus that's crazy I can't get back into my mother's crazy I can't get back into my mother's crazy I can't get back into my mother's womb that that's that's nuts and and womb that that's that's nuts and and womb that that's that's nuts and and really what I think Nicodemus is is really what I think Nicodemus is is really what I think Nicodemus is is saying to Jesus is saying to Jesus is saying to Jesus is Jesus, you've asked me to do something Jesus, you've asked me to do something Jesus, you've asked me to do something that's impossible. Yeah. And God would that's impossible. Yeah. And God would that's impossible. Yeah. And God would not ask me to do something that I cannot not ask me to do something that I cannot not ask me to do something that I cannot do in order to get into the kingdom of do in order to get into the kingdom of do in order to get into the kingdom of heaven. Nicodemus is assuming that that heaven. Nicodemus is assuming that that heaven. Nicodemus is assuming that that God uh is asking us to do something that God uh is asking us to do something that God uh is asking us to do something that we can do. He's assuming that God is the we can do. He's assuming that God is the we can do. He's assuming that God is the kind of God that will be pleased with kind of God that will be pleased with kind of God that will be pleased with our best efforts. He's assuming religion our best efforts. He's assuming religion our best efforts. He's assuming religion will help. That's why he comes talking

will help. That's why he comes talking will help. That's why he comes talking to I mean that's why he's a Pharisee. to I mean that's why he's a Pharisee. to I mean that's why he's a Pharisee. Religion is going to help in this. But Religion is going to help in this. But Religion is going to help in this. But fundamentally he's convinced of the fundamentally he's convinced of the fundamentally he's convinced of the ability of man to do what needs to be ability of man to do what needs to be ability of man to do what needs to be done. And Jesus comes along and says no done. And Jesus comes along and says no done. And Jesus comes along and says no actually you've got to do something that actually you've got to do something that actually you've got to do something that you cannot do. And and Nicodemus is just you cannot do. And and Nicodemus is just you cannot do. And and Nicodemus is just floored by it. Yeah. And then what's so floored by it. Yeah. And then what's so floored by it. Yeah. And then what's so amazing though is that at the end of the amazing though is that at the end of the amazing though is that at the end of the conversation, Jesus says to Nicodemus in conversation, Jesus says to Nicodemus in conversation, Jesus says to Nicodemus in verse 10, verse 10, verse 10, you're a teacher of Israel and you don't you're a teacher of Israel and you don't you're a teacher of Israel and you don't understand these things. Jesus seems to understand these things. Jesus seems to understand these things. Jesus seems to think that if Nicodemus had been a good think that if Nicodemus had been a good think that if Nicodemus had been a good student of the Old Testament, which was student of the Old Testament, which was student of the Old Testament, which was the only Bible they had, he would have the only Bible they had, he would have the only Bible they had, he would have already known this. And this is a already known this. And this is a already known this. And this is a regular Jesus thing to say to people. I regular Jesus thing to say to people. I regular Jesus thing to say to people. I think I mean think he says this to the think I mean think he says this to the think I mean think he says this to the disciples on the road to Emmas disciples on the road to Emmas disciples on the road to Emmas um in in Luke 24 you know oh you know um in in Luke 24 you know oh you know um in in Luke 24 you know oh you know he's there with them and he says you are he's there with them and he says you are he's there with them and he says you are you know you're foolish and slow of you know you're foolish and slow of you know you're foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets heart to believe all that the prophets heart to believe all that the prophets have written and so he he does the same have written and so he he does the same have written and so he he does the same thing with Nicodemus you know Nicodemus thing with Nicodemus you know Nicodemus thing with Nicodemus you know Nicodemus you ought to know this now and it may be you ought to know this now and it may be you ought to know this now and it may be that that phrase are you a teacher or that that phrase are you a teacher or that that phrase are you a teacher or are you the teacher you know are you the are you the teacher you know are you the are you the teacher you know are you the most prominent theologian here in most prominent theologian here in most prominent theologian here in Israel, you know, are you the RC Sproul Israel, you know, are you the RC Sproul Israel, you know, are you the RC Sproul and Billy Graham and John Piper and all and Billy Graham and John Piper and all and Billy Graham and John Piper and all of that wrapped up into one and you of that wrapped up into one and you of that wrapped up into one and you don't know this? So, which don't know this? So, which don't know this? So, which suggests that Jesus thinks that this is suggests that Jesus thinks that this is suggests that Jesus thinks that this is crystal clear in the Old Testament that

crystal clear in the Old Testament that crystal clear in the Old Testament that that any good Hebrew who knows these that any good Hebrew who knows these that any good Hebrew who knows these scriptures is going to understand this. scriptures is going to understand this. scriptures is going to understand this. So, this now brings us that there is a So, this now brings us that there is a So, this now brings us that there is a biblical theology behind that biblical theology behind that biblical theology behind that conversation. Mhm. And when we talk conversation. Mhm. And when we talk conversation. Mhm. And when we talk about biblical theology, we're talking about biblical theology, we're talking about biblical theology, we're talking about reading the Bible across across about reading the Bible across across about reading the Bible across across history, across time, the unfolding of history, across time, the unfolding of history, across time, the unfolding of God's plan of redemption. Michael has God's plan of redemption. Michael has God's plan of redemption. Michael has written on that. And one of the things written on that. And one of the things written on that. And one of the things he does in this in that little book on he does in this in that little book on he does in this in that little book on conversion is he unpacks some of the Old conversion is he unpacks some of the Old conversion is he unpacks some of the Old Testament Testament Testament background because you need to background because you need to background because you need to understand that God has been crystal understand that God has been crystal understand that God has been crystal clear about this need from the time of clear about this need from the time of clear about this need from the time of the Old Testament and they should have the Old Testament and they should have the Old Testament and they should have understood it. So a lot of what Jesus understood it. So a lot of what Jesus understood it. So a lot of what Jesus does in his ministry is just help them does in his ministry is just help them does in his ministry is just help them read their Bibles better. So take us read their Bibles better. So take us read their Bibles better. So take us back to some of the important passages back to some of the important passages back to some of the important passages that lay the groundwork for this in the that lay the groundwork for this in the that lay the groundwork for this in the Old Testament. Mike. Sure. So I think in Old Testament. Mike. Sure. So I think in Old Testament. Mike. Sure. So I think in in in one sense the Old Testament is in in one sense the Old Testament is in in one sense the Old Testament is this story of helping Israel understand this story of helping Israel understand this story of helping Israel understand actually we need God to step in and actually we need God to step in and actually we need God to step in and intervene. I mean we could go all the intervene. I mean we could go all the intervene. I mean we could go all the way back to Genesis 3 and 4. We could go way back to Genesis 3 and 4. We could go way back to Genesis 3 and 4. We could go back to Genesis 9. actually taught on back to Genesis 9. actually taught on back to Genesis 9. actually taught on this this last week in Genesis 9, but this this last week in Genesis 9, but this this last week in Genesis 9, but maybe the best place to start uh is with maybe the best place to start uh is with maybe the best place to start uh is with the old covenant. Uh God comes along, he the old covenant. Uh God comes along, he the old covenant. Uh God comes along, he he makes this covenant with with Israel.

he makes this covenant with with Israel. he makes this covenant with with Israel. Um Um Um and after the all the terms of the and after the all the terms of the and after the all the terms of the covenant are put in place uh in Exodus covenant are put in place uh in Exodus covenant are put in place uh in Exodus 24, the people say, "Yes, we will obey 24, the people say, "Yes, we will obey 24, the people say, "Yes, we will obey all of this. We will do it." that all of this. We will do it." that all of this. We will do it." that they're they're called on to love the they're they're called on to love the they're they're called on to love the Lord with all their heart and they say, Lord with all their heart and they say, Lord with all their heart and they say, "All right, we're going to do this." "All right, we're going to do this." "All right, we're going to do this." Moses goes on up the mountain to get Moses goes on up the mountain to get Moses goes on up the mountain to get more instructions about the tabernacle more instructions about the tabernacle more instructions about the tabernacle and before he can get down, they've and before he can get down, they've and before he can get down, they've already blown it. They've already broken already blown it. They've already broken already blown it. They've already broken the covenant. They're they are they're the covenant. They're they are they're the covenant. They're they are they're disobeying most of the ten commandments disobeying most of the ten commandments disobeying most of the ten commandments in in that in that event in Exodus 32 in in that in that event in Exodus 32 in in that in that event in Exodus 32 and 33. And it it's interesting because and 33. And it it's interesting because and 33. And it it's interesting because there in Exodus uh 32, we get the first there in Exodus uh 32, we get the first there in Exodus uh 32, we get the first language in the Old Testament that I language in the Old Testament that I language in the Old Testament that I think is describing the the need for think is describing the the need for think is describing the the need for regeneration because u God says uh to regeneration because u God says uh to regeneration because u God says uh to Moses, you know, go down. I'm I'm going Moses, you know, go down. I'm I'm going Moses, you know, go down. I'm I'm going to I'm going to wipe out this people for to I'm going to wipe out this people for to I'm going to wipe out this people for I have seen that they are a stiff necked I have seen that they are a stiff necked I have seen that they are a stiff necked people. They are a stiff necked people.

people. They are a stiff necked people. people. They are a stiff necked people. It's it's the language of like It's it's the language of like It's it's the language of like stubbornness, a hardness of heart. And stubbornness, a hardness of heart. And stubbornness, a hardness of heart. And this isn't like like my dog's this isn't like like my dog's this isn't like like my dog's stubbornness. I I have a I have a little stubbornness. I I have a I have a little stubbornness. I I have a I have a little dog, we got him um and when he was a dog, we got him um and when he was a dog, we got him um and when he was a puppy, we he couldn't walk very far, you puppy, we he couldn't walk very far, you puppy, we he couldn't walk very far, you know, so he just went out into our know, so he just went out into our know, so he just went out into our backyard to do his business. And now I backyard to do his business. And now I backyard to do his business. And now I can't get him to go anywhere else but my can't get him to go anywhere else but my can't get him to go anywhere else but my backyard. I can take him for a walk for backyard. I can take him for a walk for backyard. I can take him for a walk for miles and he will just wait. He's miles and he will just wait. He's miles and he will just wait. He's stubborn, right? Um that's not what stubborn, right? Um that's not what stubborn, right? Um that's not what we're talking about here. We're talking we're talking about here. We're talking we're talking about here. We're talking about a stubbornness that brings with a about a stubbornness that brings with a about a stubbornness that brings with a moral culpability. Yeah. So, uh, so God moral culpability. Yeah. So, uh, so God moral culpability. Yeah. So, uh, so God says to to Moses, "No, these this is a says to to Moses, "No, these this is a says to to Moses, "No, these this is a stiff necked people. I'm going to stiff necked people. I'm going to stiff necked people. I'm going to destroy them." Well, of course, Moses destroy them." Well, of course, Moses destroy them." Well, of course, Moses intercedes for them. And and and God intercedes for them. And and and God intercedes for them. And and and God relents. He he judges the people. But relents. He he judges the people. But relents. He he judges the people. But but then fast forward to Leviticus and but then fast forward to Leviticus and but then fast forward to Leviticus and and in Leviticus 26, Moses is laying out and in Leviticus 26, Moses is laying out and in Leviticus 26, Moses is laying out the the blessings of the covenant. He's the the blessings of the covenant. He's the the blessings of the covenant. He's laying out the the some of the curses laying out the the some of the curses laying out the the some of the curses and some of the discipline of the and some of the discipline of the and some of the discipline of the covenant. Um the blessings are like, covenant. Um the blessings are like, covenant. Um the blessings are like, boy, if if you keep this covenant, it's boy, if if you keep this covenant, it's boy, if if you keep this covenant, it's going to be almost like you're in the going to be almost like you're in the going to be almost like you're in the Garden of Eden again. Yeah. But if you Garden of Eden again. Yeah. But if you Garden of Eden again. Yeah. But if you break this covenant, if you disobey, break this covenant, if you disobey, break this covenant, if you disobey, then then all of these curses are going then then all of these curses are going then then all of these curses are going to come on you and and and ultimately to come on you and and and ultimately to come on you and and and ultimately leading to to exile. and the the the leading to to exile. and the the the leading to to exile. and the the the comment about the exile. I mean, it's so comment about the exile. I mean, it's so comment about the exile. I mean, it's so clear that this is gonna clear that this is gonna clear that this is gonna happen that it happen that it happen that it hold. I got it. Okay. So, it's it's hold. I got it. Okay. So, it's it's hold. I got it. Okay. So, it's it's almost it's almost like it's not uh it's

almost it's almost like it's not uh it's almost it's almost like it's not uh it's like a prophecy. This is this is going like a prophecy. This is this is going like a prophecy. This is this is going to happen. But then it's interesting to happen. But then it's interesting to happen. But then it's interesting because uh God says in Leviticus 26:40, because uh God says in Leviticus 26:40, because uh God says in Leviticus 26:40, "But but when they confessed their "But but when they confessed their "But but when they confessed their iniquity and the iniquity of their iniquity and the iniquity of their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, their unfaithfulness that they fathers, their unfaithfulness that they fathers, their unfaithfulness that they practiced against me, and how they acted practiced against me, and how they acted practiced against me, and how they acted with hostility toward me, and I acted with hostility toward me, and I acted with hostility toward me, and I acted with hostility toward them, and brought with hostility toward them, and brought with hostility toward them, and brought them into the land of their enemies, and them into the land of their enemies, and them into the land of their enemies, and when their uncircumcised hearts are when their uncircumcised hearts are when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they make amends for their humbled, and they make amends for their humbled, and they make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember my iniquity, then I will remember my iniquity, then I will remember my covenant." So what one of the things covenant." So what one of the things covenant." So what one of the things that we learn there is not only they that we learn there is not only they that we learn there is not only they stiff stiff stiff necked. They have uncircumcised necked. They have uncircumcised necked. They have uncircumcised hearts. Their flesh has been hearts. Their flesh has been hearts. Their flesh has been circumcised. Their their their bodies circumcised. Their their their bodies circumcised. Their their their bodies have been set apart to the Lord. But have been set apart to the Lord. But have been set apart to the Lord. But their hearts have not been. So we have their hearts have not been. So we have their hearts have not been. So we have hard, stubborn hearts. We have hard, stubborn hearts. We have hard, stubborn hearts. We have uncircumcised hearts. And these two uncircumcised hearts. And these two uncircumcised hearts. And these two images are going to be the main images images are going to be the main images images are going to be the main images throughout the rest of the penetuk for throughout the rest of the penetuk for throughout the rest of the penetuk for describing the kind of the unregenerate describing the kind of the unregenerate describing the kind of the unregenerate state. That's really good. I couple of state. That's really good. I couple of state. That's really good. I couple of things to to remember there. Heart, things to to remember there. Heart, things to to remember there. Heart, especially in the Old Testament, doesn't especially in the Old Testament, doesn't especially in the Old Testament, doesn't primarily mean your feelings. It means primarily mean your feelings. It means primarily mean your feelings. It means what you deep most deeply desire. It's what you deep most deeply desire. It's what you deep most deeply desire. It's that's the place from which you desire, that's the place from which you desire, that's the place from which you desire, you will, you want the deepest. And so you will, you want the deepest. And so you will, you want the deepest. And so uncircumcised hearts mean hearts that uncircumcised hearts mean hearts that uncircumcised hearts mean hearts that don't want God more than anything.

don't want God more than anything. don't want God more than anything. That's right. that don't worship God That's right. that don't worship God That's right. that don't worship God above everything. So the picture of the above everything. So the picture of the above everything. So the picture of the golden calf is the perfect picture of an golden calf is the perfect picture of an golden calf is the perfect picture of an uncircumcised heart. That's right. With uncircumcised heart. That's right. With uncircumcised heart. That's right. With a stiff neck. Right. Right. Exactly. So a stiff neck. Right. Right. Exactly. So a stiff neck. Right. Right. Exactly. So the the other thing I would say just to the the other thing I would say just to the the other thing I would say just to add is that the Mosaic law if if again I add is that the Mosaic law if if again I add is that the Mosaic law if if again I think both Jesus and Paul make this think both Jesus and Paul make this think both Jesus and Paul make this move. They they say if you read the move. They they say if you read the move. They they say if you read the Mosaic law as if you can do Mosaic law as if you can do Mosaic law as if you can do it, your life is going to condemn you it, your life is going to condemn you it, your life is going to condemn you because you can't. Right. And and if you because you can't. Right. And and if you because you can't. Right. And and if you if you notice what's so fascinating, the if you notice what's so fascinating, the if you notice what's so fascinating, the Mosaic law, a third of the Mosaic law is Mosaic law, a third of the Mosaic law is Mosaic law, a third of the Mosaic law is what you do when you break it. Yes. what you do when you break it. Yes. what you do when you break it. Yes. So the Mosaic law did not expect that So the Mosaic law did not expect that So the Mosaic law did not expect that you were going to be able to to keep it. you were going to be able to to keep it. you were going to be able to to keep it. It was going to require something else It was going to require something else It was going to require something else to happen for you to be a righteous to happen for you to be a righteous to happen for you to be a righteous person. That's exactly right. And that's person. That's exactly right. And that's person. That's exactly right. And that's and that's where Moses eventually gets, and that's where Moses eventually gets, and that's where Moses eventually gets, you know, you get to the verge of the you know, you get to the verge of the you know, you get to the verge of the promised land. It's Deuteronomy 10. promised land. It's Deuteronomy 10. promised land. It's Deuteronomy 10. Covenants being renewed. The law has Covenants being renewed. The law has Covenants being renewed. The law has been laid out again. They're called to been laid out again. They're called to been laid out again. They're called to love the Lord their God. And then in love the Lord their God. And then in love the Lord their God. And then in Deuteronomy 10 verse 16, Moses calls on Deuteronomy 10 verse 16, Moses calls on Deuteronomy 10 verse 16, Moses calls on this new generation to circumcise their this new generation to circumcise their this new generation to circumcise their hearts and no longer be stiff hearts and no longer be stiff hearts and no longer be stiff necked. So he's asking them to do necked. So he's asking them to do necked. So he's asking them to do something. They can't do it. And he's something. They can't do it. And he's something. They can't do it. And he's going to he's going to make that really going to he's going to make that really going to he's going to make that really clear uh when you get to Deuteronomy 29.

clear uh when you get to Deuteronomy 29. clear uh when you get to Deuteronomy 29. Uh he he points out he says uh you have Uh he he points out he says uh you have Uh he he points out he says uh you have seen with your own eyes everything the seen with your own eyes everything the seen with your own eyes everything the Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh to all his Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh to all his Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh to all his officials to his entire land. You saw officials to his entire land. You saw officials to his entire land. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, with your own eyes the great trials, with your own eyes the great trials, those great signs and wonders. Yet to those great signs and wonders. Yet to those great signs and wonders. Yet to this day the Lord has not given you a this day the Lord has not given you a this day the Lord has not given you a mind to understand. Yeah. Eyes to see or mind to understand. Yeah. Eyes to see or mind to understand. Yeah. Eyes to see or ears to hear. So Moses understands that ears to hear. So Moses understands that ears to hear. So Moses understands that he's asked them to do something that he's asked them to do something that he's asked them to do something that they can't do. God's got to do it. And they can't do. God's got to do it. And they can't do. God's got to do it. And then he will make that even more clear then he will make that even more clear then he will make that even more clear the in the the next chapter when in the in the the next chapter when in the in the the next chapter when in Deuteronomy 30 right before he writes Deuteronomy 30 right before he writes Deuteronomy 30 right before he writes the famous song that's going to remind the famous song that's going to remind the famous song that's going to remind them uh of their them uh of their them uh of their unfaithfulness. Uh he says in unfaithfulness. Uh he says in unfaithfulness. Uh he says in Deuteronomy 30, "The Lord your God will Deuteronomy 30, "The Lord your God will Deuteronomy 30, "The Lord your God will bring you into the land your fathers bring you into the land your fathers bring you into the land your fathers possessed and you will take possession possessed and you will take possession possessed and you will take possession of it. He will cause you to prosper and of it. He will cause you to prosper and of it. He will cause you to prosper and multiply multiply you more than he did multiply multiply you more than he did multiply multiply you more than he did your fathers. The Lord your God will your fathers. The Lord your God will your fathers. The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of circumcise your heart and the hearts of circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants and you will love him your descendants and you will love him your descendants and you will love him with all your heart and all your soul.

with all your heart and all your soul. with all your heart and all your soul. Yeah. So that you will live. Yeah. So Yeah. So that you will live. Yeah. So Yeah. So that you will live. Yeah. So there it is. There's the promise of God there it is. There's the promise of God there it is. There's the promise of God coming in, taking the coming in, taking the coming in, taking the initiative, regenerating them. That's initiative, regenerating them. That's initiative, regenerating them. That's the New Testament language, the Old the New Testament language, the Old the New Testament language, the Old Testament language. Circumcise your Testament language. Circumcise your Testament language. Circumcise your hearts. And and we we're not even out of hearts. And and we we're not even out of hearts. And and we we're not even out of the penetuk. Yeah. Yeah. Let me just say the penetuk. Yeah. Yeah. Let me just say the penetuk. Yeah. Yeah. Let me just say as a pastor, I've preached four of the as a pastor, I've preached four of the as a pastor, I've preached four of the five books of the penetuk. I haven't five books of the penetuk. I haven't five books of the penetuk. I haven't preached Deuteronomy. I've really missed preached Deuteronomy. I've really missed preached Deuteronomy. I've really missed out on that. And I've come to that late. out on that. And I've come to that late. out on that. And I've come to that late. Deuteronomy tells you the whole story of Deuteronomy tells you the whole story of Deuteronomy tells you the whole story of the history of Israel ahead of time. So, the history of Israel ahead of time. So, the history of Israel ahead of time. So, don't sleep on Deuteronomy, pastors. I don't sleep on Deuteronomy, pastors. I don't sleep on Deuteronomy, pastors. I mean, it's it's really really helpful mean, it's it's really really helpful mean, it's it's really really helpful for your people getting the struggle of for your people getting the struggle of for your people getting the struggle of the Old Testament because it tells the Old Testament because it tells the Old Testament because it tells what's going to happen ahead of time. what's going to happen ahead of time. what's going to happen ahead of time. That's right. And so that very principle That's right. And so that very principle That's right. And so that very principle there that colors everything that there that colors everything that there that colors everything that happens until 586 BC. That's right. So happens until 586 BC. That's right. So happens until 586 BC. That's right. So from that that time in Deuteronomy from that that time in Deuteronomy from that that time in Deuteronomy before they go into the land all the way before they go into the land all the way before they go into the land all the way to the fall of Jerusalem in 586. That's to the fall of Jerusalem in 586. That's to the fall of Jerusalem in 586. That's the story. That is the story. You need the story. That is the story. You need the story. That is the story. You need to circumcise your hearts. You can't to circumcise your hearts. You can't to circumcise your hearts. You can't circumcise your hearts. God's going to circumcise your hearts. God's going to circumcise your hearts. God's going to have to do it. Yeah. when when uh the have to do it. Yeah. when when uh the have to do it. Yeah. when when uh the northern tribes are sent off into exile northern tribes are sent off into exile northern tribes are sent off into exile uh in 2 Kings uh verse 17, it's because uh in 2 Kings uh verse 17, it's because uh in 2 Kings uh verse 17, it's because they would not le listen but were stiff they would not le listen but were stiff they would not le listen but were stiff necked as their fathers had been. This necked as their fathers had been. This necked as their fathers had been. This is this is just the consistent story.

is this is just the consistent story. is this is just the consistent story. The same is going to be true uh for The same is going to be true uh for The same is going to be true uh for Judah. Judah. Judah. Jeremiah is going to explain Jeremiah is going to explain Jeremiah is going to explain uh Judah's being sent off. I mean, he's uh Judah's being sent off. I mean, he's uh Judah's being sent off. I mean, he's in the middle of it, right? uh he's he's in the middle of it, right? uh he's he's in the middle of it, right? uh he's he's right there when Jerusalem falls. He's right there when Jerusalem falls. He's right there when Jerusalem falls. He's going to explain it in the exact same going to explain it in the exact same going to explain it in the exact same terms. Uh uh Jeremiah 9:25 to to 26. terms. Uh uh Jeremiah 9:25 to to 26. terms. Uh uh Jeremiah 9:25 to to 26. He's going to pick up this same He's going to pick up this same He's going to pick up this same language. I won't read it. Uh to explain language. I won't read it. Uh to explain language. I won't read it. Uh to explain why they are being sent off. This is the why they are being sent off. This is the why they are being sent off. This is the story. Yeah. And so the prophets will story. Yeah. And so the prophets will story. Yeah. And so the prophets will really pick up on the heart language. Uh really pick up on the heart language. Uh really pick up on the heart language. Uh now they'll they'll tackle it different now they'll they'll tackle it different now they'll they'll tackle it different ways. Jeremiah later in Jeremiah 31 will ways. Jeremiah later in Jeremiah 31 will ways. Jeremiah later in Jeremiah 31 will talk about a time that is going to come talk about a time that is going to come talk about a time that is going to come when God is going to write the law on when God is going to write the law on when God is going to write the law on their heart. So what's the problem with their heart. So what's the problem with their heart. So what's the problem with the heart? The heart doesn't want God the heart? The heart doesn't want God the heart? The heart doesn't want God more than anything else. But now that more than anything else. But now that more than anything else. But now that law which had been written on stone is law which had been written on stone is law which had been written on stone is going to be written on the heart. And going to be written on the heart. And going to be written on the heart. And that's what Jeremiah calls he's the only that's what Jeremiah calls he's the only that's what Jeremiah calls he's the only one who uses the term. That's what he one who uses the term. That's what he one who uses the term. That's what he calls the new covenant. And the of calls the new covenant. And the of calls the new covenant. And the of course the author of Hebrews is all over course the author of Hebrews is all over course the author of Hebrews is all over that. Not only the Apostle Paul, not that. Not only the Apostle Paul, not that. Not only the Apostle Paul, not only Luke, but especially the author of only Luke, but especially the author of only Luke, but especially the author of Hebrews wants us to understand that we Hebrews wants us to understand that we Hebrews wants us to understand that we need to we need to understand what need to we need to understand what need to we need to understand what Christ came to do in light of that Christ came to do in light of that Christ came to do in light of that prophecy from Jeremiah. And Jeremiah's prophecy from Jeremiah. And Jeremiah's prophecy from Jeremiah. And Jeremiah's not the only one. Isaiah is going to do not the only one. Isaiah is going to do not the only one. Isaiah is going to do similar things. He's going to use similar things. He's going to use similar things. He's going to use different imagery. He's going to use new different imagery. He's going to use new different imagery. He's going to use new creation imagery. He's going to talk creation imagery. He's going to talk creation imagery. He's going to talk about the spirit being poured out and about the spirit being poured out and about the spirit being poured out and and making God's people grow up. Yeah.

and making God's people grow up. Yeah. and making God's people grow up. Yeah. Uh Ezekiel uh is going to come along Uh Ezekiel uh is going to come along Uh Ezekiel uh is going to come along though and pick up the language of heart though and pick up the language of heart though and pick up the language of heart again. And I I think Jesus has Ezekiel again. And I I think Jesus has Ezekiel again. And I I think Jesus has Ezekiel on his mind in the conversation with on his mind in the conversation with on his mind in the conversation with Nicodemus. It's just it's just there. It Nicodemus. It's just it's just there. It Nicodemus. It's just it's just there. It has to be there, right? Because because has to be there, right? Because because has to be there, right? Because because what what Ezekiel says in in this what what Ezekiel says in in this what what Ezekiel says in in this covenant that's going to come is that covenant that's going to come is that covenant that's going to come is that God's going to take out our hearts of God's going to take out our hearts of God's going to take out our hearts of stone, those hard hearts, and give us a stone, those hard hearts, and give us a stone, those hard hearts, and give us a heart of flesh. God's going to do this. heart of flesh. God's going to do this. heart of flesh. God's going to do this. Uh he's he's Uh he's he's Uh he's he's He's going to reach in and and kind of He's going to reach in and and kind of He's going to reach in and and kind of take the initiative. Yeah. But but take the initiative. Yeah. But but take the initiative. Yeah. But but what's what's so interesting then is in what's what's so interesting then is in what's what's so interesting then is in and if you've got it it's Ezekiel 36:26. and if you've got it it's Ezekiel 36:26. and if you've got it it's Ezekiel 36:26. Yeah. And and it's the he's he's talking Yeah. And and it's the he's he's talking Yeah. And and it's the he's he's talking about the same reality that Jeremiah and about the same reality that Jeremiah and about the same reality that Jeremiah and Isaiah and then Daniel and Amos and Jo Isaiah and then Daniel and Amos and Jo Isaiah and then Daniel and Amos and Jo Joel and other places. But he says, Joel and other places. But he says, Joel and other places. But he says, "Moreover, I will give you a new heart." "Moreover, I will give you a new heart." "Moreover, I will give you a new heart." That sound familiar? I will give you a That sound familiar? I will give you a That sound familiar? I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within new heart and put a new spirit within new heart and put a new spirit within you. And I will remove the heart of you. And I will remove the heart of you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh. That's that stone from your flesh. That's that stone from your flesh. That's that uncircumcised heart. And give you a uncircumcised heart. And give you a uncircumcised heart. And give you a heart of flesh. And uh he then says, heart of flesh. And uh he then says, heart of flesh. And uh he then says, "And I will put my spirit within you to "And I will put my spirit within you to "And I will put my spirit within you to cause you to walk in my statutes, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will be careful to observe my you will be careful to observe my you will be careful to observe my ordinances, and you will live in the ordinances, and you will live in the ordinances, and you will live in the land that I give to your forefathers. So land that I give to your forefathers. So land that I give to your forefathers. So you will be my people, and I will be you will be my people, and I will be you will be my people, and I will be your God." And then the beautiful thing your God." And then the beautiful thing your God." And then the beautiful thing is chapter 37 that comes right after is chapter 37 that comes right after is chapter 37 that comes right after that to illustrate it. The valley of dry that to illustrate it. The valley of dry that to illustrate it. The valley of dry bones. The valley of dry bones. How how

bones. The valley of dry bones. How how bones. The valley of dry bones. How how does this valley of dry bones which does this valley of dry bones which does this valley of dry bones which represents dead Israel, dead in their represents dead Israel, dead in their represents dead Israel, dead in their sins, how is it going to come to life? sins, how is it going to come to life? sins, how is it going to come to life? Well, is it going to be because uh they Well, is it going to be because uh they Well, is it going to be because uh they they're they're kind of stood up and they're they're kind of stood up and they're they're kind of stood up and they're given ears and then a message is they're given ears and then a message is they're given ears and then a message is preached to them that they decide, "Oh, preached to them that they decide, "Oh, preached to them that they decide, "Oh, that's that's a good message. I like that's that's a good message. I like that's that's a good message. I like that message. I think we'll respond to that message. I think we'll respond to that message. I think we'll respond to that message." No, that's not the way that message." No, that's not the way that message." No, that's not the way Ezekiel 37 goes. Yeah. Now, the way Ezekiel 37 goes. Yeah. Now, the way Ezekiel 37 goes. Yeah. Now, the way Ezekiel 37 goes is God says, "Preach to Ezekiel 37 goes is God says, "Preach to Ezekiel 37 goes is God says, "Preach to the bones." That's right. And it's the bones." That's right. And it's the bones." That's right. And it's through the proclamation of God's word. through the proclamation of God's word. through the proclamation of God's word. And and by the way, God even says to And and by the way, God even says to And and by the way, God even says to Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" And and Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" And and Ezekiel, "Can these bones live?" And and Ezekiel gives the ultimate fudge answer. Ezekiel gives the ultimate fudge answer. Ezekiel gives the ultimate fudge answer. Uh you know, Lord, I mean, it's just Uh you know, Lord, I mean, it's just Uh you know, Lord, I mean, it's just total fudge. Total fudge. You know, it's total fudge. Total fudge. You know, it's total fudge. Total fudge. You know, it's like I know this is a trick question, like I know this is a trick question, like I know this is a trick question, but I know it says preach prophesy. but I know it says preach prophesy. but I know it says preach prophesy. Prophesy to the bones and and and and Prophesy to the bones and and and and Prophesy to the bones and and and and the bones stand up and flesh is put on the bones stand up and flesh is put on the bones stand up and flesh is put on the bones and then preach and the spirit the bones and then preach and the spirit the bones and then preach and the spirit Yes. in not only not only gives them Yes. in not only not only gives them Yes. in not only not only gives them flesh and blood but but actually makes flesh and blood but but actually makes flesh and blood but but actually makes them alive. And so it kind of all comes them alive. And so it kind of all comes them alive. And so it kind of all comes together right there. Uh that it is the together right there. Uh that it is the together right there. Uh that it is the spirit working through the the word spirit working through the the word spirit working through the the word preached that regenerates the dead.

preached that regenerates the dead. preached that regenerates the dead. Yeah. And Jesus is saying, Yeah. And Jesus is saying, Yeah. And Jesus is saying, "Nicodemus, you should have known this." "Nicodemus, you should have known this." "Nicodemus, you should have known this." Yeah. You should have known this. Yeah. Yeah. You should have known this. Yeah. Yeah. You should have known this. Yeah. And that's, you know, that that's what And that's, you know, that that's what And that's, you know, that that's what Watts is talking about in how sweet and Watts is talking about in how sweet and Watts is talking about in how sweet and awesome is the place, you know, when awesome is the place, you know, when awesome is the place, you know, when when he says, "Why why was I made, when he says, "Why why was I made, when he says, "Why why was I made, you know, to to sit down at the feast you know, to to sit down at the feast you know, to to sit down at the feast uh and enter while there's room when uh and enter while there's room when uh and enter while there's room when thousands make a wretched choice and thousands make a wretched choice and thousands make a wretched choice and rather starve than come?" And the only rather starve than come?" And the only rather starve than come?" And the only answer is it was the same love that answer is it was the same love that answer is it was the same love that spread the feast that sweetly drew me spread the feast that sweetly drew me spread the feast that sweetly drew me in. That's right. Else I would have in. That's right. Else I would have in. That's right. Else I would have refused to taste and perished in my sin. refused to taste and perished in my sin. refused to taste and perished in my sin. That's right. That's right. That's the That's right. That's right. That's the That's right. That's right. That's the work of the spirit doing that. Now, if work of the spirit doing that. Now, if work of the spirit doing that. Now, if we if we move this story forward, this we if we move this story forward, this we if we move this story forward, this is why when we get to the New Testament, is why when we get to the New Testament, is why when we get to the New Testament, Paul and the other New Testament authors Paul and the other New Testament authors Paul and the other New Testament authors are constantly saying to these are constantly saying to these are constantly saying to these believers, live as if you are alive.

believers, live as if you are alive. believers, live as if you are alive. Live as if you've been made new. Take Live as if you've been made new. Take Live as if you've been made new. Take off the old, put on the new. Say no to off the old, put on the new. Say no to off the old, put on the new. Say no to sin. Say say yes to sin. Say say yes to sin. Say say yes to God. Because they can. God. Because they can. God. Because they can. They've they've been regenerated if they They've they've been regenerated if they They've they've been regenerated if they are in Christ because of what Christ are in Christ because of what Christ are in Christ because of what Christ accomplished on the cross because he not accomplished on the cross because he not accomplished on the cross because he not only secured our forgiveness, but he got only secured our forgiveness, but he got only secured our forgiveness, but he got up from the dead and so lives with up from the dead and so lives with up from the dead and so lives with resurrection life, the same life that he resurrection life, the same life that he resurrection life, the same life that he makes us alive with. The New Testament makes us alive with. The New Testament makes us alive with. The New Testament authors say you can say no to sin. Yeah. authors say you can say no to sin. Yeah. authors say you can say no to sin. Yeah. And this is this is one of the ways you And this is this is one of the ways you And this is this is one of the ways you can tell a real Christian. Not that they can tell a real Christian. Not that they can tell a real Christian. Not that they never sin. That's that's glory. That never sin. That's that's glory. That never sin. That's that's glory. That that that still awaits. that that still awaits. that that still awaits. But the New Testament church can do and But the New Testament church can do and But the New Testament church can do and should do what so often Old Testament should do what so often Old Testament should do what so often Old Testament Israel could not do because they had not Israel could not do because they had not Israel could not do because they had not been made alive. been made alive. been made alive. And it's, you know, our our theme this And it's, you know, our our theme this And it's, you know, our our theme this week is, you know, alive together. John week is, you know, alive together. John week is, you know, alive together. John emphasized that it's God who makes us emphasized that it's God who makes us emphasized that it's God who makes us alive in the preaching this morning.

alive in the preaching this morning. alive in the preaching this morning. Isn't wasn't it interesting his comment Isn't wasn't it interesting his comment Isn't wasn't it interesting his comment that of the 41 imperatives in Ephesians, that of the 41 imperatives in Ephesians, that of the 41 imperatives in Ephesians, they're all they're they're they're they're all they're they're they're they're all they're they're they're backloaded to four, five, and six. Yeah, backloaded to four, five, and six. Yeah, backloaded to four, five, and six. Yeah, that's right. So, he wants to get this that's right. So, he wants to get this that's right. So, he wants to get this reality through to the Ephesians and to reality through to the Ephesians and to reality through to the Ephesians and to us first. Yeah. Before he then starts us first. Yeah. Before he then starts us first. Yeah. Before he then starts exhorting us right to do certain things exhorting us right to do certain things exhorting us right to do certain things in the Christian life. So that his his in the Christian life. So that his his in the Christian life. So that his his move is this is what you are in Christ. move is this is what you are in Christ. move is this is what you are in Christ. This is what he has made you to be. Now This is what he has made you to be. Now This is what he has made you to be. Now be who you are. Now be who you are. It's be who you are. Now be who you are. It's be who you are. Now be who you are. It's a very different thing than do this and a very different thing than do this and a very different thing than do this and save yourself, right? Or make a decision save yourself, right? Or make a decision save yourself, right? Or make a decision and save yourself. It's this is what God and save yourself. It's this is what God and save yourself. It's this is what God has done, right? It's also very has done, right? It's also very has done, right? It's also very different from the kind of Christianity different from the kind of Christianity different from the kind of Christianity I grew up with in a certain corner of I grew up with in a certain corner of I grew up with in a certain corner of the deep south in which you can make a the deep south in which you can make a the deep south in which you can make a decision and then walk away and never decision and then walk away and never decision and then walk away and never worry about it again, but you're good. worry about it again, but you're good. worry about it again, but you're good. You're safe. You know, I grew up with You're safe. You know, I grew up with You're safe. You know, I grew up with the doctrine of the carnal Christian. the doctrine of the carnal Christian. the doctrine of the carnal Christian. They they'd made a decision for Christ, They they'd made a decision for Christ, They they'd made a decision for Christ, so they're saved. We can assure them so they're saved. We can assure them so they're saved. We can assure them that they're not going to hell, but you that they're not going to hell, but you that they're not going to hell, but you couldn't tell by looking at them. And couldn't tell by looking at them. And couldn't tell by looking at them. And yet, what the New Testament and the Old yet, what the New Testament and the Old yet, what the New Testament and the Old Testament both are driving at is no, if Testament both are driving at is no, if Testament both are driving at is no, if you're you're you're alive, we'll be able to tell. Like, I alive, we'll be able to tell. Like, I alive, we'll be able to tell. Like, I love John's comment. You don't prove love John's comment. You don't prove love John's comment. You don't prove that you're alive by pulling out your that you're alive by pulling out your that you're alive by pulling out your birth certificate. You prove that you're birth certificate. You prove that you're birth certificate. You prove that you're alive by breathing. You So, you don't alive by breathing. You So, you don't alive by breathing. You So, you don't prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ because you point back to a card you because you point back to a card you because you point back to a card you signed or a prayer you prayed. No, you signed or a prayer you prayed. No, you signed or a prayer you prayed. No, you prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ prove that you're alive in Jesus Christ by following him in repentance and by following him in repentance and by following him in repentance and faith. Yeah. Today, just like you did on

faith. Yeah. Today, just like you did on faith. Yeah. Today, just like you did on the first day. And that's really what my the first day. And that's really what my the first day. And that's really what my book is all about. Okay. So, you've just book is all about. Okay. So, you've just book is all about. Okay. So, you've just taken us there. So, let let's go on to taken us there. So, let let's go on to taken us there. So, let let's go on to repentance and faith because that's the repentance and faith because that's the repentance and faith because that's the response, right? So, God's done this response, right? So, God's done this response, right? So, God's done this divine work in us. He's given us a new divine work in us. He's given us a new divine work in us. He's given us a new heart. He's put his spirit within us. heart. He's put his spirit within us. heart. He's put his spirit within us. Walk us through then repentance and Walk us through then repentance and Walk us through then repentance and faith as a part of that complex of faith as a part of that complex of faith as a part of that complex of conversion. I love the way Paul conversion. I love the way Paul conversion. I love the way Paul describes it in 1 Thessalonians chapter describes it in 1 Thessalonians chapter describes it in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1:es 9 and 10. Uh because Paul points to 1:es 9 and 10. Uh because Paul points to 1:es 9 and 10. Uh because Paul points to the Thessalonian Christians, very young the Thessalonian Christians, very young the Thessalonian Christians, very young church, but he says, "You guys are the church, but he says, "You guys are the church, but he says, "You guys are the model for what this looks like. model for what this looks like. model for what this looks like. Everybody's talking about it because Everybody's talking about it because Everybody's talking about it because they can see how you turned to God from they can see how you turned to God from they can see how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." idols to serve the living and true God." idols to serve the living and true God." I mean, that's repentance, right? I mean, that's repentance, right? I mean, that's repentance, right? Repentance is uh it certainly involves a Repentance is uh it certainly involves a Repentance is uh it certainly involves a change of mind, but it's actually a a change of mind, but it's actually a a change of mind, but it's actually a a reorientation of the heart's worship, reorientation of the heart's worship, reorientation of the heart's worship, which would make sense, right? Because which would make sense, right? Because which would make sense, right? Because you've been given a new heart if you've been given a new heart if you've been given a new heart if regeneration is the first work, having regeneration is the first work, having regeneration is the first work, having been given a new heart. A a genuine been given a new heart. A a genuine been given a new heart. A a genuine Christian no longer wants to worship Christian no longer wants to worship Christian no longer wants to worship that idol, whether it's a statue on the that idol, whether it's a statue on the that idol, whether it's a statue on the shelf or your job or your girlfriend or shelf or your job or your girlfriend or shelf or your job or your girlfriend or whatever. Uh it you no longer want to whatever. Uh it you no longer want to whatever. Uh it you no longer want to worship that. Instead, you turn to God worship that. Instead, you turn to God worship that. Instead, you turn to God because your heart, its nature now, because your heart, its nature now, because your heart, its nature now, wants to worship wants to worship wants to worship God. That's what repentance is. It's a God. That's what repentance is. It's a God. That's what repentance is. It's a reorientation of the heart in worship

reorientation of the heart in worship reorientation of the heart in worship that then shows itself over time in all that then shows itself over time in all that then shows itself over time in all sorts of changes in your life. But it sorts of changes in your life. But it sorts of changes in your life. But it flows from the heart, a heart that's flows from the heart, a heart that's flows from the heart, a heart that's been made new. Then he then he describes been made new. Then he then he describes been made new. Then he then he describes the Thessalonians faith about how you the Thessalonians faith about how you the Thessalonians faith about how you are waiting on Jesus to return from are waiting on Jesus to return from are waiting on Jesus to return from heaven. He doesn't use the language of heaven. He doesn't use the language of heaven. He doesn't use the language of faith there. But I think that's one of faith there. But I think that's one of faith there. But I think that's one of the most beautiful pictures of faith in the most beautiful pictures of faith in the most beautiful pictures of faith in the New Testament. A faith that is no the New Testament. A faith that is no the New Testament. A faith that is no longer trusting in their their career, longer trusting in their their career, longer trusting in their their career, their wealth, their family, whatever it their wealth, their family, whatever it their wealth, their family, whatever it was they were trusting in. Now they are was they were trusting in. Now they are was they were trusting in. Now they are trusting in Jesus. They are waiting for trusting in Jesus. They are waiting for trusting in Jesus. They are waiting for him to come back and it is totally him to come back and it is totally him to come back and it is totally reorganizing their lives. reorganizing their lives. reorganizing their lives. So both repentance and faith though they So both repentance and faith though they So both repentance and faith though they have a a point in time where they begin. have a a point in time where they begin. have a a point in time where they begin. Yeah. If they're genuine repentance and Yeah. If they're genuine repentance and Yeah. If they're genuine repentance and faith, they keep going. It uh it is a faith, they keep going. It uh it is a faith, they keep going. It uh it is a life of repentance and faith. I I I uh I life of repentance and faith. I I I uh I life of repentance and faith. I I I uh I think it was Tim Keller that used to think it was Tim Keller that used to think it was Tim Keller that used to always say that um that repentance and always say that um that repentance and always say that um that repentance and faith, the go therefore the gospel, this faith, the go therefore the gospel, this faith, the go therefore the gospel, this thing that we're repenting and believing thing that we're repenting and believing thing that we're repenting and believing in, it's not the ABCs of the Christian in, it's not the ABCs of the Christian in, it's not the ABCs of the Christian life. It's the A to Z of the Christian life. It's the A to Z of the Christian life. It's the A to Z of the Christian life. We kind of never get life. We kind of never get life. We kind of never get past repenting and believing. That's past repenting and believing. That's past repenting and believing. That's what a Christian does every day. Gets up what a Christian does every day. Gets up what a Christian does every day. Gets up and repents and believes. And that's how and repents and believes. And that's how and repents and believes. And that's how we can tell you're actually alive.

we can tell you're actually alive. we can tell you're actually alive. And that that gets back to Nicodemus and And that that gets back to Nicodemus and And that that gets back to Nicodemus and so many of his contemporary sense that so many of his contemporary sense that so many of his contemporary sense that they were able to keep the law. You they were able to keep the law. You they were able to keep the law. You know, one of one of the first evidences know, one of one of the first evidences know, one of one of the first evidences of new life is the realization, I can't of new life is the realization, I can't of new life is the realization, I can't and I haven't. Oh, absolutely. And so and I haven't. Oh, absolutely. And so and I haven't. Oh, absolutely. And so the repentance flows from that. And then the repentance flows from that. And then the repentance flows from that. And then you then then you have to say, well, you then then you have to say, well, you then then you have to say, well, Lord, I know you're compassionate and I Lord, I know you're compassionate and I Lord, I know you're compassionate and I know you you forgive the guilty and you know you you forgive the guilty and you know you you forgive the guilty and you forgive iniquity and you forgive forgive iniquity and you forgive forgive iniquity and you forgive transgression is Exodus 34. transgression is Exodus 34. transgression is Exodus 34. Um, but h how do you do that? And and Um, but h how do you do that? And and Um, but h how do you do that? And and how are you still a holy and righteous how are you still a holy and righteous how are you still a holy and righteous and just God when you do that? And of and just God when you do that? And of and just God when you do that? And of course, the answer is Jesus. That's course, the answer is Jesus. That's course, the answer is Jesus. That's right. That's that's what the the author right. That's that's what the the author right. That's that's what the the author of Hebrews, the blood of bulls and goats of Hebrews, the blood of bulls and goats of Hebrews, the blood of bulls and goats cannot forgive sin, but once for all. cannot forgive sin, but once for all. cannot forgive sin, but once for all. That's right. He has paid the price for That's right. He has paid the price for That's right. He has paid the price for our sins and he's taken us in to the our sins and he's taken us in to the our sins and he's taken us in to the holy of holies with him, you know. And holy of holies with him, you know. And holy of holies with him, you know. And so that now I've got to focus my trust, so that now I've got to focus my trust, so that now I've got to focus my trust, my hopes in the one, the only one who's my hopes in the one, the only one who's my hopes in the one, the only one who's ever been righteous.

ever been righteous. ever been righteous. And and and that whole complex is the And and and that whole complex is the And and and that whole complex is the part of the believer's experience. part of the believer's experience. part of the believer's experience. That's right. God reaches out in grace. That's right. God reaches out in grace. That's right. God reaches out in grace. And let me say this, this was huge for And let me say this, this was huge for And let me say this, this was huge for me. I I I made a public profession of me. I I I made a public profession of me. I I I made a public profession of faith when I was 10 years old. And and I faith when I was 10 years old. And and I faith when I was 10 years old. And and I I think it was a credible profession. I I think it was a credible profession. I I think it was a credible profession. I I'd talked with my mom, with my dad, I'd talked with my mom, with my dad, I'd talked with my mom, with my dad, with my pastor. Uh I'd talked with my with my pastor. Uh I'd talked with my with my pastor. Uh I'd talked with my grandparents pastor Yeah. about it. I grandparents pastor Yeah. about it. I grandparents pastor Yeah. about it. I had gone through We have a thing in the had gone through We have a thing in the had gone through We have a thing in the Presbyterian tradition called Presbyterian tradition called Presbyterian tradition called communicants class. So before you're communicants class. So before you're communicants class. So before you're allowed to come to the Lord's table, you allowed to come to the Lord's table, you allowed to come to the Lord's table, you have to make a credible profession to have to make a credible profession to have to make a credible profession to the elders. We do that at baptism. You the elders. We do that at baptism. You the elders. We do that at baptism. You did it. That's right. That's right. did it. That's right. That's right. did it. That's right. That's right. That's right. I went through the same That's right. I went through the same That's right. I went through the same thing just a little earlier. So uh but thing just a little earlier. So uh but thing just a little earlier. So uh but now I was baptized. I know you were. I now I was baptized. I know you were. I now I was baptized. I know you were. I know you were. So um so I you know I I know you were. So um so I you know I I know you were. So um so I you know I I make my profession. I'm baptized. Um, make my profession. I'm baptized. Um, make my profession. I'm baptized. Um, but but but I unbeknownst to me, I I was an I unbeknownst to me, I I was an I unbeknownst to me, I I was an Armenian. Yeah. I I thought that my Armenian. Yeah. I I thought that my Armenian. Yeah. I I thought that my repentance and my faith is what created repentance and my faith is what created repentance and my faith is what created the new birth in me. Right. And I heard the new birth in me. Right. And I heard the new birth in me. Right. And I heard a preacher preaching on the passage that a preacher preaching on the passage that a preacher preaching on the passage that John preached on today. Absolutely.

John preached on today. Absolutely. John preached on today. Absolutely. Yeah. And it changed my life. And I I Yeah. And it changed my life. And I I Yeah. And it changed my life. And I I suddenly realized, okay, before I ever suddenly realized, okay, before I ever suddenly realized, okay, before I ever reached out in faith to God, he had reached out in faith to God, he had reached out in faith to God, he had already reached out in grace to me. And already reached out in grace to me. And already reached out in grace to me. And the only reason I ever would have the only reason I ever would have the only reason I ever would have reached out in faith to him. We have a reached out in faith to him. We have a reached out in faith to him. We have a very we have a very similar story very we have a very similar story very we have a very similar story because we grew up in the same part of because we grew up in the same part of because we grew up in the same part of the of the country, very similar the of the country, very similar the of the country, very similar churches, but for me it was same thing. churches, but for me it was same thing. churches, but for me it was same thing. Profess faith as a child. I think it was Profess faith as a child. I think it was Profess faith as a child. I think it was genuine. It was immature. Uh I was genuine. It was immature. Uh I was genuine. It was immature. Uh I was definitely Armenian. definitely Armenian. definitely Armenian. Uh I go to uh Urbana 1984 and hear Eric Uh I go to uh Urbana 1984 and hear Eric Uh I go to uh Urbana 1984 and hear Eric Alexander preach through Ephesians 1 Alexander preach through Ephesians 1 Alexander preach through Ephesians 1 through3 and it I it was like listening through3 and it I it was like listening through3 and it I it was like listening to John this morning but with a better to John this morning but with a better to John this morning but with a better accent accent accent um a wonderful Scottish brogue and uh um a wonderful Scottish brogue and uh um a wonderful Scottish brogue and uh yeah I was I was I was cut to the heart. yeah I was I was I was cut to the heart. yeah I was I was I was cut to the heart. It was so clear. It didn't begin with It was so clear. It didn't begin with It was so clear. It didn't begin with me. But everything came clear when when me. But everything came clear when when me. But everything came clear when when when I got that everything came clear. when I got that everything came clear. when I got that everything came clear. and even even my sense of call to and even even my sense of call to and even even my sense of call to ministry because I thought, Lord, I want ministry because I thought, Lord, I want ministry because I thought, Lord, I want to help people the way that man just to help people the way that man just to help people the way that man just helped me with the Bible. Yeah. Um and helped me with the Bible. Yeah. Um and helped me with the Bible. Yeah. Um and you know, so it's it's it's you know, so it's it's it's you know, so it's it's it's lifechanging.

lifechanging. lifechanging. Um ju quick systematic theology comment. Um ju quick systematic theology comment. Um ju quick systematic theology comment. Notice how all of the concepts that Notice how all of the concepts that Notice how all of the concepts that Jesus talked about in John 3 or that Jesus talked about in John 3 or that Jesus talked about in John 3 or that Paul talks about in Ephesians 4, they're Paul talks about in Ephesians 4, they're Paul talks about in Ephesians 4, they're rooted in a long biblical conversation rooted in a long biblical conversation rooted in a long biblical conversation that goes and we really we could have that goes and we really we could have that goes and we really we could have taken it all the way back to Genesis 2 taken it all the way back to Genesis 2 taken it all the way back to Genesis 2 and three if we wanted to. Okay? Because and three if we wanted to. Okay? Because and three if we wanted to. Okay? Because the whole thing's playing out there as the whole thing's playing out there as the whole thing's playing out there as well. So what systematic theologians are well. So what systematic theologians are well. So what systematic theologians are wanting to do is try and create some wanting to do is try and create some wanting to do is try and create some shorthand, some boxes that we can put shorthand, some boxes that we can put shorthand, some boxes that we can put those things in so that different parts those things in so that different parts those things in so that different parts of the Bible can talk to one another in of the Bible can talk to one another in of the Bible can talk to one another in a helpful way and we don't get confused a helpful way and we don't get confused a helpful way and we don't get confused and then turn things upside down where and then turn things upside down where and then turn things upside down where we're thinking that our faith causes us we're thinking that our faith causes us we're thinking that our faith causes us to have this new birth, but rather it is to have this new birth, but rather it is to have this new birth, but rather it is the result of God's work of the of the the result of God's work of the of the the result of God's work of the of the new birth in us. And again, Spurgeon is new birth in us. And again, Spurgeon is new birth in us. And again, Spurgeon is so helpful on this. Uh we we could name so helpful on this. Uh we we could name so helpful on this. Uh we we could name other John John Scott came from sort of other John John Scott came from sort of other John John Scott came from sort of an Armenian position into a more an Armenian position into a more an Armenian position into a more doctrines of grace position on this and doctrines of grace position on this and doctrines of grace position on this and in his exposition of Ephesians in the in his exposition of Ephesians in the in his exposition of Ephesians in the Bible Speaks Today series so good uh on Bible Speaks Today series so good uh on Bible Speaks Today series so good uh on on this. So we could point to a lot of on this. So we could point to a lot of on this. So we could point to a lot of people that are helpful. Who who's people that are helpful. Who who's people that are helpful. Who who's helped you think through the doctrine of helped you think through the doctrine of helped you think through the doctrine of conversion, the doctrine of conversion, the doctrine of conversion, the doctrine of regeneration, faith, repentance? any any regeneration, faith, repentance? any any regeneration, faith, repentance? any any particular places that you would point particular places that you would point particular places that you would point people to go?

people to go? people to go? Um, some people that were very helpful Um, some people that were very helpful Um, some people that were very helpful for me, though I don't know this will be for me, though I don't know this will be for me, though I don't know this will be very helpful. Well, I'll tell you one uh very helpful. Well, I'll tell you one uh very helpful. Well, I'll tell you one uh John Piper and and his book uh Finally John Piper and and his book uh Finally John Piper and and his book uh Finally Alive. Finally Alive, which is part of Alive. Finally Alive, which is part of Alive. Finally Alive, which is part of the inspiration I think what's going on the inspiration I think what's going on the inspiration I think what's going on here this this year at TGC is superb. here this this year at TGC is superb. here this this year at TGC is superb. It's just so very good. I love and I It's just so very good. I love and I It's just so very good. I love and I don't know this is gonna be so helpful don't know this is gonna be so helpful don't know this is gonna be so helpful but I love David Wells little book but I love David Wells little book but I love David Wells little book Turning to God. Oh wow. Now that it's Turning to God. Oh wow. Now that it's Turning to God. Oh wow. Now that it's hard to get a hold of. David Wells is hard to get a hold of. David Wells is hard to get a hold of. David Wells is one of my theology props. Wonderful man. one of my theology props. Wonderful man. one of my theology props. Wonderful man. Um wonderful man. And just his very very Um wonderful man. And just his very very Um wonderful man. And just his very very careful look at uh what does it mean to careful look at uh what does it mean to careful look at uh what does it mean to turn to God? Yeah. Uh kind of the turn to God? Yeah. Uh kind of the turn to God? Yeah. Uh kind of the repentance and faith side of it. Very repentance and faith side of it. Very repentance and faith side of it. Very very good if you can get your hands on very good if you can get your hands on very good if you can get your hands on it. uh turning to God. it. uh turning to God. it. uh turning to God. The Puritans, honestly, it's true. The The Puritans, honestly, it's true. The The Puritans, honestly, it's true. The Puritans were very helpful. Yeah. Do you Puritans were very helpful. Yeah. Do you Puritans were very helpful. Yeah. Do you have questions for Michael about this? have questions for Michael about this? have questions for Michael about this? Yes. All the way back.

My guess is Michael and I are together My guess is Michael and I are together on this. I want to hear what I'm saying. on this. I want to hear what I'm saying. on this. I want to hear what I'm saying. I'm going to say there's only one way I'm going to say there's only one way I'm going to say there's only one way that anybody's ever saved. Uh God must that anybody's ever saved. Uh God must that anybody's ever saved. Uh God must regenerate them and then they put their regenerate them and then they put their regenerate them and then they put their faith in the promises that God has faith in the promises that God has faith in the promises that God has revealed up until that point. All of revealed up until that point. All of revealed up until that point. All of which are secured finally by Christ's uh which are secured finally by Christ's uh which are secured finally by Christ's uh final once for all sacrifice. So any Old final once for all sacrifice. So any Old final once for all sacrifice. So any Old Testament saint who is genuinely saved, Testament saint who is genuinely saved, Testament saint who is genuinely saved, it's because God regenerated them. Yeah. it's because God regenerated them. Yeah. it's because God regenerated them. Yeah. I I just don't think there is another I I just don't think there is another I I just don't think there is another way. Yeah, the language in the Old way. Yeah, the language in the Old way. Yeah, the language in the Old Testament and we have to be aware of Testament and we have to be aware of Testament and we have to be aware of this. Uh the some of the passages I was this. Uh the some of the passages I was this. Uh the some of the passages I was reading to you, these are describing reading to you, these are describing reading to you, these are describing Israel kind of collectively a as a as a Israel kind of collectively a as a as a Israel kind of collectively a as a as a corporate body. They're they're stiff corporate body. They're they're stiff corporate body. They're they're stiff necked as as as a corporate body. They necked as as as a corporate body. They necked as as as a corporate body. They have uncircumcised heart. That's not have uncircumcised heart. That's not have uncircumcised heart. That's not necessarily a statement about any necessarily a statement about any necessarily a statement about any particular one Israelite. Yeah. So when particular one Israelite. Yeah. So when particular one Israelite. Yeah. So when you see Old Testament saints who are you see Old Testament saints who are you see Old Testament saints who are clearly saints, Yeah. it's because God clearly saints, Yeah. it's because God clearly saints, Yeah. it's because God has done this work. And I uh to you know has done this work. And I uh to you know has done this work. And I uh to you know that still leaves you okay well in what that still leaves you okay well in what that still leaves you okay well in what way is the new covenant uniquely the age way is the new covenant uniquely the age way is the new covenant uniquely the age of the spirit with the outpouring of the of the spirit with the outpouring of the of the spirit with the outpouring of the spirit at Pentecost. And I think two spirit at Pentecost. And I think two spirit at Pentecost. And I think two things have have really helped me there.

things have have really helped me there. things have have really helped me there. One is a theologian named BB Warfield One is a theologian named BB Warfield One is a theologian named BB Warfield who taught at Princeton at the end of who taught at Princeton at the end of who taught at Princeton at the end of the 19th century beginning of the great the 19th century beginning of the great the 19th century beginning of the great defender of the doctrine of the defender of the doctrine of the defender of the doctrine of the inherency of scripture. He did a series inherency of scripture. He did a series inherency of scripture. He did a series of Sunday school classes for seminary of Sunday school classes for seminary of Sunday school classes for seminary students on Sunday afternoon at students on Sunday afternoon at students on Sunday afternoon at Princeton and we've got them in a book Princeton and we've got them in a book Princeton and we've got them in a book and the book is called Faith and Life. and the book is called Faith and Life. and the book is called Faith and Life. It's published by Banner of Truth. And It's published by Banner of Truth. And It's published by Banner of Truth. And in that series of Sunday school lessons, in that series of Sunday school lessons, in that series of Sunday school lessons, he did a message called the outpouring he did a message called the outpouring he did a message called the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And he what he does of the Holy Spirit. And he what he does of the Holy Spirit. And he what he does is he shows all the ways that the spirit is he shows all the ways that the spirit is he shows all the ways that the spirit that the New Testament says that the that the New Testament says that the that the New Testament says that the spirit was operative in the Old spirit was operative in the Old spirit was operative in the Old Testament. And then he says, "Yet the Testament. And then he says, "Yet the Testament. And then he says, "Yet the new covenant is distinctively the age of new covenant is distinctively the age of new covenant is distinctively the age of the spirit because of four things." And the spirit because of four things." And the spirit because of four things." And he walks you through four ways in which he walks you through four ways in which he walks you through four ways in which the new covenant is uniquely, you know, the new covenant is uniquely, you know, the new covenant is uniquely, you know, and the very passages that we were and the very passages that we were and the very passages that we were looking at in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel looking at in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel looking at in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel point forward to this thing that God is point forward to this thing that God is point forward to this thing that God is going to do in the new covenant. And so going to do in the new covenant. And so going to do in the new covenant. And so that helped me deal a little bit with a that helped me deal a little bit with a that helped me deal a little bit with a continuity discontinuity issues. The continuity discontinuity issues. The continuity discontinuity issues. The other thing that will help you is if you other thing that will help you is if you other thing that will help you is if you look at either the Westminster look at either the Westminster look at either the Westminster Confession or the London Baptist Confession or the London Baptist Confession or the London Baptist Confession chapters on Christian Confession chapters on Christian Confession chapters on Christian liberty, they will show the ways in liberty, they will show the ways in liberty, they will show the ways in which the freedom of Christians is which the freedom of Christians is which the freedom of Christians is further enlarged under the new covenant.

further enlarged under the new covenant. further enlarged under the new covenant. And a lot of those are related to the And a lot of those are related to the And a lot of those are related to the work of the Holy Spirit. And so that work of the Holy Spirit. And so that work of the Holy Spirit. And so that that will be very helpful to you as you that will be very helpful to you as you that will be very helpful to you as you figure out because it's so interesting figure out because it's so interesting figure out because it's so interesting the New Testament will borrow language the New Testament will borrow language the New Testament will borrow language from the Psalms to articulate our from the Psalms to articulate our from the Psalms to articulate our regeneration as Christians which lets regeneration as Christians which lets regeneration as Christians which lets you know that it's not like this is you know that it's not like this is you know that it's not like this is utterly unknown to Old Testament saints, utterly unknown to Old Testament saints, utterly unknown to Old Testament saints, you know. So I we can still use the you know. So I we can still use the you know. So I we can still use the language. You're working on Psalm 51 language. You're working on Psalm 51 language. You're working on Psalm 51 right now. Yeah. Okay. We can still use right now. Yeah. Okay. We can still use right now. Yeah. Okay. We can still use the language of Psalm 51 as believers the language of Psalm 51 as believers the language of Psalm 51 as believers today. Beautiful language about the work today. Beautiful language about the work today. Beautiful language about the work of the spirit in our hearts. Um because of the spirit in our hearts. Um because of the spirit in our hearts. Um because that reality is not completely absent. that reality is not completely absent. that reality is not completely absent. Um now we may want to say it's more Um now we may want to say it's more Um now we may want to say it's more prevailing prevailing prevailing uh in in the New Testament church. Uh uh in in the New Testament church. Uh uh in in the New Testament church. Uh but the spirit has to be operative for but the spirit has to be operative for but the spirit has to be operative for us to have life. Yeah. There just is no us to have life. Yeah. There just is no us to have life. Yeah. There just is no other way. Yes.

So, one of the things that I think we So, one of the things that I think we got to be aware of is that one of the got to be aware of is that one of the got to be aware of is that one of the things that happens particularly in the things that happens particularly in the things that happens particularly in the Old Testament that I think you'll see in Old Testament that I think you'll see in Old Testament that I think you'll see in the New Testament as well that the the New Testament as well that the the New Testament as well that the spirit will come on someone to empower spirit will come on someone to empower spirit will come on someone to empower them for a particular office. Yeah. That them for a particular office. Yeah. That them for a particular office. Yeah. That doesn't mean that he regenerated them. doesn't mean that he regenerated them. doesn't mean that he regenerated them. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Uh the kings are all anointed with oil Uh the kings are all anointed with oil Uh the kings are all anointed with oil symbolic of the spirit anointing them symbolic of the spirit anointing them symbolic of the spirit anointing them particularly for this particularly for this particularly for this office. Saul is anointed for the office office. Saul is anointed for the office office. Saul is anointed for the office of king. That anointing is taken away of king. That anointing is taken away of king. That anointing is taken away because God rejects him as king. I think because God rejects him as king. I think because God rejects him as king. I think that also helps to explain a little bit that also helps to explain a little bit that also helps to explain a little bit why David prays the way he prays in in why David prays the way he prays in in why David prays the way he prays in in Psalm 51. Yeah. When he says, "Don't Psalm 51. Yeah. When he says, "Don't Psalm 51. Yeah. When he says, "Don't take your spirit away from me." He take your spirit away from me." He take your spirit away from me." He doesn't mean don't take my salvation doesn't mean don't take my salvation doesn't mean don't take my salvation away from me. I know that's an away from me. I know that's an away from me. I know that's an anacronistic use of language. What he's anacronistic use of language. What he's anacronistic use of language. What he's saying is you you you've set me aside saying is you you you've set me aside saying is you you you've set me aside for this work as king. Please do not for this work as king. Please do not for this work as king. Please do not abandon me in it. Yeah. And the very abandon me in it. Yeah. And the very abandon me in it. Yeah. And the very fact that he's praying that prayer is fact that he's praying that prayer is fact that he's praying that prayer is proof that he's indwelt by the spirit. proof that he's indwelt by the spirit. proof that he's indwelt by the spirit. Yeah. You know, and that's the Yeah. You know, and that's the Yeah. You know, and that's the difference between him and Saul. Saul difference between him and Saul. Saul difference between him and Saul. Saul never repents. And and David David never repents. And and David David never repents. And and David David realizes, hey, I'm no better than Saul realizes, hey, I'm no better than Saul realizes, hey, I'm no better than Saul in this, you know, but his heart is in this, you know, but his heart is in this, you know, but his heart is changed. So he goes to the Lord, don't changed. So he goes to the Lord, don't changed. So he goes to the Lord, don't take your spirit from me, you know, take your spirit from me, you know, take your spirit from me, you know, forgive me, clean me, uh, you know, forgive me, clean me, uh, you know, forgive me, clean me, uh, you know, give, give me, create in me a clean give, give me, create in me a clean give, give me, create in me a clean heart, oh Lord, and renew a right spirit heart, oh Lord, and renew a right spirit heart, oh Lord, and renew a right spirit within me. Let me just, because we don't within me. Let me just, because we don't within me. Let me just, because we don't have much time left, I think, let me have much time left, I think, let me have much time left, I think, let me just throw out a few implications of just throw out a few implications of just throw out a few implications of this for your life in the this for your life in the this for your life in the church. Uh, one, when you are

church. Uh, one, when you are church. Uh, one, when you are interviewing somebody for membership, interviewing somebody for membership, interviewing somebody for membership, you're not listening for when they you're not listening for when they you're not listening for when they prayed the prayer. You're listening for prayed the prayer. You're listening for prayed the prayer. You're listening for evidence of a regenerated life. Uh I'll evidence of a regenerated life. Uh I'll evidence of a regenerated life. Uh I'll take an hour with somebody just hearing take an hour with somebody just hearing take an hour with somebody just hearing their story. Uh it's kind of like I'm a their story. Uh it's kind of like I'm a their story. Uh it's kind of like I'm a doctor getting the baseline physical as doctor getting the baseline physical as doctor getting the baseline physical as as a new patient coming into the church. as a new patient coming into the church. as a new patient coming into the church. But really what I'm listening for is how But really what I'm listening for is how But really what I'm listening for is how has the spirit been so good at work in has the spirit been so good at work in has the spirit been so good at work in this person's life? Because it will be this person's life? Because it will be this person's life? Because it will be ob it will show life will show itself. ob it will show life will show itself. ob it will show life will show itself. So listen not for a decision but for So listen not for a decision but for So listen not for a decision but for evidence of regeneration. That's so evidence of regeneration. That's so evidence of regeneration. That's so good. Uh in your evangelism, call people good. Uh in your evangelism, call people good. Uh in your evangelism, call people to repent and believe, but do not reduce to repent and believe, but do not reduce to repent and believe, but do not reduce that to a prayer prayed. Yeah. Yeah. that to a prayer prayed. Yeah. Yeah. that to a prayer prayed. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Of course, they should pray. Yes. Yes. Of course, they should pray. Yes. Yes. Of course, they should pray. Yes. We should confess our sins and ask the We should confess our sins and ask the We should confess our sins and ask the Lord uh for his forgiveness. That's Lord uh for his forgiveness. That's Lord uh for his forgiveness. That's great. But don't reduce it to that and great. But don't reduce it to that and great. But don't reduce it to that and then immediately give them assurance then immediately give them assurance then immediately give them assurance that they're going to heaven and they that they're going to heaven and they that they're going to heaven and they should never doubt it. Because when you should never doubt it. Because when you should never doubt it. Because when you give somebody assurance based on a give somebody assurance based on a give somebody assurance based on a decision rather than the evidence of decision rather than the evidence of decision rather than the evidence of repentance and faith, you're effectively repentance and faith, you're effectively repentance and faith, you're effectively inoculating them against the gospel.

inoculating them against the gospel. inoculating them against the gospel. You're giving them a defective You're giving them a defective You're giving them a defective gospel. And and now maybe later on when gospel. And and now maybe later on when gospel. And and now maybe later on when when they hear the gospel again, they're when they hear the gospel again, they're when they hear the gospel again, they're going to think, "Ah, no, I'm good. It's going to think, "Ah, no, I'm good. It's going to think, "Ah, no, I'm good. It's all taken care of." Do not have to worry all taken care of." Do not have to worry all taken care of." Do not have to worry about that. Do not inoculate people about that. Do not inoculate people about that. Do not inoculate people against the gospel by giving them false against the gospel by giving them false against the gospel by giving them false assurance based on a mere decision. So assurance based on a mere decision. So assurance based on a mere decision. So good. I I'll I'll close with a word from good. I I'll I'll close with a word from good. I I'll I'll close with a word from Phil Reichen. Phil Reichen tells the Phil Reichen. Phil Reichen tells the Phil Reichen. Phil Reichen tells the story of a man in the 1840s in Savannah, story of a man in the 1840s in Savannah, story of a man in the 1840s in Savannah, Georgia, who had come under the Georgia, who had come under the Georgia, who had come under the preaching of a Calvinistic preaching of a Calvinistic preaching of a Calvinistic evangelist. And uh he came to his office evangelist. And uh he came to his office evangelist. And uh he came to his office to complain to him. And he said, 'You to complain to him. And he said, 'You to complain to him. And he said, 'You preachers are the most contradictory men preachers are the most contradictory men preachers are the most contradictory men in the world. Why, you said in your in the world. Why, you said in your in the world. Why, you said in your sermon that sinners were perfectly sermon that sinners were perfectly sermon that sinners were perfectly helpless in themselves, utterly unable helpless in themselves, utterly unable helpless in themselves, utterly unable to repent or believe, and then you to repent or believe, and then you to repent or believe, and then you turned around and said that they would turned around and said that they would turned around and said that they would all be damned if they did all be damned if they did all be damned if they did not. Palmer sensed that his visitor was not. Palmer sensed that his visitor was not. Palmer sensed that his visitor was wrestling with the great issues of life wrestling with the great issues of life wrestling with the great issues of life and death. To make sure that the man and death. To make sure that the man and death. To make sure that the man really dealt with the gospel, he gave really dealt with the gospel, he gave really dealt with the gospel, he gave him an indifferent response. Well, my him an indifferent response. Well, my him an indifferent response. Well, my dear sir, there is no use in our dear sir, there is no use in our dear sir, there is no use in our quarreling. Either you can or you quarreling. Either you can or you quarreling. Either you can or you cannot. If you can repent and believe, cannot. If you can repent and believe, cannot. If you can repent and believe, all I have to say to you is that I hope all I have to say to you is that I hope all I have to say to you is that I hope you will just go and do you will just go and do you will just go and do it. And then Palmer describes what it. And then Palmer describes what it. And then Palmer describes what happened next. As I did not raise my happened next. As I did not raise my happened next. As I did not raise my eyes from writing, how rude is that? He eyes from writing, how rude is that? He eyes from writing, how rude is that? He was sitting there writing at his desk was sitting there writing at his desk was sitting there writing at his desk and he didn't look at the guy. As I did

and he didn't look at the guy. As I did and he didn't look at the guy. As I did not raise my eyes from writing, I had no not raise my eyes from writing, I had no not raise my eyes from writing, I had no means of marking the effect of these means of marking the effect of these means of marking the effect of these words until after a moment's silence words until after a moment's silence words until after a moment's silence with a choking utterance, the reply came with a choking utterance, the reply came with a choking utterance, the reply came back. I have been trying my best for back. I have been trying my best for back. I have been trying my best for three whole days and I three whole days and I three whole days and I cannot. Ah, I responded, raising my eyes cannot. Ah, I responded, raising my eyes cannot. Ah, I responded, raising my eyes and putting down my pen. That puts a and putting down my pen. That puts a and putting down my pen. That puts a different face upon it. We will go and different face upon it. We will go and different face upon it. We will go and tell this difficulty straight to God. We tell this difficulty straight to God. We tell this difficulty straight to God. We knelt down and I prayed as though this knelt down and I prayed as though this knelt down and I prayed as though this was the first time in human history that was the first time in human history that was the first time in human history that this trouble had ever arisen. That here this trouble had ever arisen. That here this trouble had ever arisen. That here was a soul in the most desperate was a soul in the most desperate was a soul in the most desperate extremity which must either believe or extremity which must either believe or extremity which must either believe or perish and hopelessly unable of itself perish and hopelessly unable of itself perish and hopelessly unable of itself to do it. And that consequently it was to do it. And that consequently it was to do it. And that consequently it was just the case for divine interposition. just the case for divine interposition. just the case for divine interposition. Upon rising I offered not a single word Upon rising I offered not a single word Upon rising I offered not a single word of comfort or advice. And so I left my of comfort or advice. And so I left my of comfort or advice. And so I left my friend in his powerlessness in the hands friend in his powerlessness in the hands friend in his powerlessness in the hands of God as his only helper. In a short of God as his only helper. In a short of God as his only helper. In a short time he came through the struggle time he came through the struggle time he came through the struggle rejoicing at the hope of eternal life.

rejoicing at the hope of eternal life. rejoicing at the hope of eternal life. Amen. Amen. Amen. There it is. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. There it is. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. There it is. Amen. Thank you friends. God bless you all. Thank you friends. God bless you all. Thank you friends. God bless you all. Thank you.