'Regeneration' By J. C. Ryle
If you are not familiar with the works of J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), you should be. His commentaries are concise, warm, and full of 'gospel light.' He is probably most known for his ‘Expository Thoughts’ on the Gospels. However, he also wrote a work on the doctrine of regeneration entitled, 'Regeneration: Being Born Again: What it means and why it's necessary.' After carefully explaining the Bible's teaching on the subject, he then turns to the epistle of I John in order to help his reader know if he or she has been born from above, that is, born again by the Spirit of our God. In light of our sermon on John 3:1-8, I have summarized his words for your convenience. If you are serious about this topic, I encourage you to look up the corresponding Scriptures. -Kevin
Here are the six marks of regeneration from First John (in the words of J.C. Ryle):
1. A regenerate man does not commit sin as a habit. (I John 3:9; 5:18) 'In one word, sin no longer pleases him, nor is even a matter of indifference: it has become the abominable thing which he hates.' Ryle admits that 'in many things we offend all,' (James 3:2), but these things are a 'daily grief and sorrow to him.'
2. A regenerate man believes that Jesus Christ is the only Savior by whom his soul can be pardoned and redeemed. (I John 5:1) 'In himself he sees nothing but unworthiness, but in Christ he sees ground for the fullest confidence, and trusting in Him he believes that his sins are all forgiven and his iniquities all put away.'
3. The regenerate man is a holy man. (I John 2:29) In spite of all shortcomings, the average bent and bias of his way is holy, his doings holy, his tastes holy, and his habits holy.'
4. A regenerate man has a special love for all true disciples of Christ. (I John 3:14) 'Like his Father in heaven he loves all men with a great general love, but he has a special love for them who are of one mind with himself.'
5. A regenerate man does not make the world's opinion his rule of right and wrong. (I John 5:4) 'He finds no pleasure in things which most around him call happiness. He cannot enjoy their enjoyments: they weary him: they appear to him vain, unprofitable, and unworthy...'
6. A regenerate man is very careful of his own soul. (I John 5:18) He endeavors not only to keep clear of sin, but also to keep clear of everything which may lead to it. His is careful about the company he keeps...He is careful about the employment of his time...he is careful about the books he reads...about the friendships he forms...over his own daily habits and behavior.