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weakened very much; but by regeneration it is strengthened again and harmony is restored in
the life of man. This is, of course, a purely rationalistic theory.[Cf. Heard, The Tripartite Nature
of Man.]
6. THE VIEW OF MODERN LIBERALISM.
The liberal theologians of the present day do not all
have the same view of regeneration. Some of them speak in terms that remind one of
Schleiermacher. More generally, however, they sponsor a purely naturalistic view. They are
averse to the idea that regeneration is a supernatural and recreative work of God. In virtue of
the immanent God every man has a divine principle within him and thus possesses potentially
all that is necessary unto salvation. The one thing that is necessary, is that man become
conscious of his potential divinity, and that he consciously yield to the guidance of the higher
principle within him. Regeneration is simply an ethical change of character.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
What other terms and expressions does the Bible use to
designate the work of regeneration? Does the Bible sharply distinguish between calling,
regeneration, conversion, and sanctification? How do you account for it that the Roman
Catholic Church includes even justification in regeneration? How do regeneration and
conversion differ? Is there such a thing as prevenient grace, preceding and preparing for
regeneration? What is active, as distinguished from passive, regeneration? Does man’s passivity
in regeneration last for any length of time? Does not the view that the Word of God is not
instrumental in effecting regeneration, make the preaching of the Word seem futile and quite
unnecessary? Does it not lead to the verge of mysticism?
LITERATURE:
Kuyper, Dict. Dogm., De Salute, pp. 70-83; ibid., Het Werk van den Heiligen Geest,
II, pp. 140-162; Bavinck, Geref. Dogm, IV, pp. 11-82; ibid., Roeping en Wedergeboorte;
Mastricht, Godgeleerdheit, VI, 3; Dick, Theology, Lect. LXVI; Shedd, Dogm. Theol. II, pp. 490-
528; Dabney, Syst. and Polem. Theol., Lect. XLVII; Vos, Geref. Dogm. IV, pp. 32-65; Hodge, Syst.
Theol. III, pp. 1-40; McPherson, Chr. Dogma, pp. 397-401; Alexander, Syst. of Bib. Theol. II, pp.
370-384; Litton, Introd. to Dogm. Theol., pp. 313-321; Schmid, Doct. Theol. of the Ev. Luth.
Church, pp. 463-470; Valentine, Chr. Theol. II, pp. 242-271; Raymond, Syst. Theol. II, pp. 344-
359; Pope, Chr. Theol. III, pp. 5-13; Strong, Syst. Theol., pp. 809-828; Boyce, Abstract of Syst.
Theol., pp. 328-334; Wilmers, Handbook of the Chr. Rel., pp. 314-322; Anderson, Regeneration.