'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — December 19

Regeneration does not consist in a mere moral reformation of life. It requires the infusion of a new, real, spiritual principle into the soul and its faculties. It brings spiritual life, light, holiness, righteousness, and the expulsion of the contrary, inbred, habitual principle of sin and enmity against God. This alone enables true acts of holy obedience. The principle of true regeneration always, certainly, and infallibly produces the reformation of life intended. In some, it does it more completely, in others more imperfectly, but in all sincerely. Regeneration and reformation are inseparable. This spiritual renovation of nature in regeneration will infallibly produce a moral reformation of life. This is produced by a creating act of the power of God, and it is applied into the essential faculties of our soul. In regeneration, the purposes, designs, and inclinations of the mind are changed. This new creation does not consist in just a new course of action, but in renewed faculties. It is thus called the 'divine nature' (2 Pet. 1:4). Ephesians 4:22-24 describes the work of regeneration with respect both to its foundation and its progress. The Holy Spirit works on men suitably to their natures, even as the faculties of their souls, minds, wills, and affections are able to be affected and wrought upon. He does not come upon them with involuntary raptures, using their faculties and powers as the evil spirit controls the bodies of those whom he possesses. The true work of the Spirit is evidenced by a rational belief in the Scripture. The Spirit works by the means determined and declared in the Word. By the Word we must test everything really belonging, or pretended to belong, to this work of regeneration.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
John Owen, Works, III:216-225
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