A spiritual kingdom requires a spiritual nature, and in order to the acquisition of that the natural man must be regenerated (born again), divinely regenerated, for the creature can no more quicken himself than he can give himself a natural being. Why not? Because regeneration is no mere outward reformation, process of education, or even religious cultivation. No, it consists of a radical change of heart and transformation of character, the communication of a gracious and holy principle, producing new desires, new capacities, a new life. The new birth is absolutely imperative, but this is the work of the Spirit of God from the very nature of the case. Birth altogether excludes the idea of any effort or work on the part of the one born, hence it is written “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63).
— I.C. Herendeen (1883–1982), Verleger und christlicher Autor
Related Bible passage: JHN.6.63
Topics: Grace & Redemption, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Meaning & Identity
Occasions: For Reflection
I.C. Herendeen
Irwin Charles Herendeen (1883–1982) war ein US-amerikanischer christlicher Verleger und Autor, der in Pennsylvania das „Bible Truth Depot“ leitete. Bekannt wurde er als früher Wegbereiter der reformiert-baptistischen Bewegung in den USA und als Erstverleger zentraler Werke von Arthur W. Pink. Bibellesern begegnet er heute vor allem durch theologische Traktate, die eine an der Souveränität Gottes ausgerichtete Frömmigkeit und praktische Heiligung betonen.
All quotes by I.C. Herendeen (4)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller