Post by athanasius on Nov 11, 2014 12:21:52 GMT -5
Dr. Miller,
As one who is Reformed, I have struggled with one issue in particular; the conversion of sinners in the Old Testament. Let me explain. I affirm the reality that because of our depravity, there is nothing in us that would ever desire God, for "there is none who seeks for God" (Romans 3:11). I believe that because of this, God could have established soteriology like the Arminians claim and that would be fine except no one would ever turn to God. Unless regeneration happens, the person will never seek for God.
Because of this belief, however, I have problem with one thing. Regeneration in the Old Testament (according to Covenant theologians) would seem to be indicated in passages within the prophets that say something like, "I will take out the heart of stone and put in a heart of flesh." The passages seem to indicate that this will be something new. Now I figure John MacArthur (a "leaky" dispensationalist) would say something to the nature of "this is referring to the future restoration of the nation of Israel as a whole when God will lift the hardening that has existed since Christ; the implementation of regenerating grace has always been in play since the first 'convert' " We affirm people in the Old Testament were saved by trusting in the coming Messiah, but trusting is enabled by regeneration.
I must say that to interpret those Old Testament passages like that seem to avoid the problem, but I know that those who lean to a Covenatal understanding of the Bible believe that those passages are referring to regeneration that occurs within those who will be saved. The passages seem to give the tone that this will be something new. If so, how is this regeneration different from the (apparent) regeneration before? If there is no difference, then wouldn't this seem to say that the interpretation of those like MacArthur is truer to the text and therefore it is a misunderstanding to imply that these text are referring to the regeneration that occurs within the New Testament Gentile church?
As one who is Reformed, I have struggled with one issue in particular; the conversion of sinners in the Old Testament. Let me explain. I affirm the reality that because of our depravity, there is nothing in us that would ever desire God, for "there is none who seeks for God" (Romans 3:11). I believe that because of this, God could have established soteriology like the Arminians claim and that would be fine except no one would ever turn to God. Unless regeneration happens, the person will never seek for God.
Because of this belief, however, I have problem with one thing. Regeneration in the Old Testament (according to Covenant theologians) would seem to be indicated in passages within the prophets that say something like, "I will take out the heart of stone and put in a heart of flesh." The passages seem to indicate that this will be something new. Now I figure John MacArthur (a "leaky" dispensationalist) would say something to the nature of "this is referring to the future restoration of the nation of Israel as a whole when God will lift the hardening that has existed since Christ; the implementation of regenerating grace has always been in play since the first 'convert' " We affirm people in the Old Testament were saved by trusting in the coming Messiah, but trusting is enabled by regeneration.
I must say that to interpret those Old Testament passages like that seem to avoid the problem, but I know that those who lean to a Covenatal understanding of the Bible believe that those passages are referring to regeneration that occurs within those who will be saved. The passages seem to give the tone that this will be something new. If so, how is this regeneration different from the (apparent) regeneration before? If there is no difference, then wouldn't this seem to say that the interpretation of those like MacArthur is truer to the text and therefore it is a misunderstanding to imply that these text are referring to the regeneration that occurs within the New Testament Gentile church?