The question of whether regeneration comes before faith or faith comes before regeneration has been debated by theologians for centuries. At the heart of this debate is the issue of how salvation occurs – does God regenerate us first so that we can respond in faith, or do we first respond in faith and then God regenerates us? Both sides can make reasonable biblical arguments, so Christians have disagreed on this. Let’s look at what the Bible says on this topic.
The Case for Regeneration Preceding Faith
Those who believe regeneration precedes faith point to several biblical passages:
- John 6:44 says “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” This implies God must first draw/regenerate someone before they can respond in faith.
- Acts 16:14 describes Lydia’s heart being opened by God to respond to Paul’s message. Her heart was opened first, enabling her faith response.
- Ephesians 2:1-5 describes Christians as previously “dead in trespasses and sins” until God “made us alive together with Christ.” New spiritual life preceded faith.
- 1 John 4:19 says “We love because he first loved us.” God’s prior regenerating love enables our faith response.
- Similarly, passages like Romans 9:16 and John 15:16 point to God choosing and appointing people to bear fruit, implying God’s regenerating action comes before man’s faith response.
The reasoning is that in our fallen state, humans are dead in sin (Eph. 2:1), enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:6), and cannot submit to God or please Him (Rom. 8:7-8). Due to total depravity, an unregenerate heart cannot exercise saving faith. Therefore, God must first regenerate the heart before someone can respond in saving faith. Regeneration enables and precedes faith.
The Case for Faith Preceding Regeneration
Those who believe faith precedes regeneration also point to several biblical passages:
- Acts 16:31 commands “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Salvation is promised to those who believe.
- Romans 10:9 says “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation follows faith.
- John 1:12-13 indicates that those who believe in Jesus then become children of God. Faith precedes the status of being God’s child.
- John 7:37-39 teaches that those who come to Jesus and believe will then have rivers of living water flow from within them. This implies faith precedes the regenerating work of the Spirit.
The reasoning is that although humans are sinful, God’s prevenient grace goes before and enables a faith response. Though totally depraved, the Holy Spirit convicts and woos unbelievers to repent and believe. While God gets all the credit for salvation, He has chosen for faith to be the instrument through which regeneration and justification are received. Faith is like an empty hand that receives the gift of salvation.
Synthesis of the Positions
When examining this issue, it’s important to define regeneration and faith carefully. Regeneration refers to God’s act of imparting new spiritual life. Faith refers to one’s trust, dependence and resting on Christ alone for salvation. With these definitions in mind, we could say:
- Chronologically, regeneration and faith likely occur simultaneously, in an inseparable instant.
- Causally, regeneration happens through faith, not before it. God regenerates us as we place faith in Christ.
- Logically, faith precedes regeneration in that faith is the mechanism God uses to regenerate.
- However, God gets all glory. Even our faith response is only possible because of God’s prior grace.
So in summary, faith precedes regeneration logically while regeneration occurs simultaneously with faith chronologically. They are inextricably linked. We can have confidence that the God who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Phil. 1:6).
Faith and its Role in Salvation
Since faith plays a vital role in salvation, it’s important to understand what constitutes true saving faith:
- Mere intellectual assent isn’t enough. Even demons have intellectual faith (James 2:19).
- Faith involves repentance from sin and submission to the Lordship of Christ.
- It entails dependence on, trust in and resting upon Christ alone.
- True faith perseveres and bears fruit in obedience (John 15). Temporary faith is insufficient to save.
- While genuine faith leads to obedience, works do not earn or merit salvation. Works flow from salvation already freely given.
Salvation is completely by God’s grace from start to finish. Even our repentance and faith are gifts from Him (2 Tim. 2:25, Eph. 2:8-9). Any good in us is due to Christ’s work within. Apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
God’s Sovereignty in Salvation
A final point to remember is that since God is completely sovereign, nothing can thwart His redemptive plan. Jesus said all that the Father gives Him will come to Him (John 6:37). Before the world began, God predestined those who would be saved (Eph. 1:4-5). His election is irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). The Good Shepherd loses none of His sheep (John 10:28-30) but keeps and protects them. What brings God pleasure will come to pass. As Ephesians 1:11 declares, God works out all things “according to the counsel of his will.” He gets all the glory in our salvation.
Conclusion
In summary, this complex issue involves mystery. Sincere Christians have disagreed. While the chronological order isn’t entirely clear, the logical order suggests faith precedes regeneration, yet they act concurrently. God in His sovereignty chose to make faith the means by which we experience new life in Christ. But even our faith is a gracious gift from God. When understood correctly, this doctrine should humble us, giving God all glory for our salvation. In the end, both faith and regeneration are miraculous works of a merciful Savior who makes spiritually dead sinners alive together with Christ, creating in them an enduring faith through which all spiritual blessings flow. To Him alone be the glory both now and forever! Amen.