THE KING'S BUSINESS
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REGENERATION AND CONVERSION Regeneration is a spiritual change: Conversion is a spiritual motion. Regeneration is a power conferred: Conversion is the exertion of that power. Regeneration is a principle given to turn : Conversion is our actual turning. The -one is the ability to act : The other is the act performed by that ability. Regeneration is the cause of spiritual life: Conversion is the effect of that life. In regeneration, a man is passive: In conversion, he is mightily active. The first revival is wholly the act of God: The second revival is the act of the crea ture. Regeneration is the motion of God in the creature : Conversion is the motion of the creature in God. In regeneration, the Lord gives Himself to us: In conversion, we give ourselves to the Lord. In renewing us, God gives us a power : In converting us, He excites that power. Conversion is as natural to a regenerate man as motion is to a living body. In conversion, the sinner is active, but it is not from the power of man, although it is from the power in man, not growing up from the feeble root of nature": but settled there _by the almighty Spirit of God.— Charnock. FIRST AND SECOND PETER. In Peter the First and Peter the Second, before and after Pentecost, we see how weak, unstable, unwise and useless a Chris tian is without the enduement of the Holy ’ Spirit, and how: strong, stable, wise and fruitful a Christian is with that power. Peter the First. 1. He lacked assurance of - the truth and of salvation (Matt.T4:28-31). His faith failed on the water and he began to sink ; he looked downward (John 21:3).
He even proposed to go back to his fishing. He was “off and on.” 2. He sleeps on Mt. Tabor and in Geth- semane (Luke 9:32 and Mark 14:37-41). Asleep three times, then wakes up and strikes wildly. An unwise, awakened back slider. 3. He wants to know what he shall gain by following Christ (Matt. 13:27. “Behold we have forsaken all,” etc.). A gain of godliness. “Tell me not of gain or loss.” 4. He disputes about pre-eminence in the coming kingdom (MaHc 9:34). Like Diotrephes. 5. He tempts Christ to spare Himself from the cross (Matt. 16:21, 22). The crown without the cross. Refined selfish ness. 6. He boasts of his courage and fidelity to Christ, and the same day tuns away like a coward (M att 25:31-35; 26:31-35, 56). Self assurance. “Beware of Peter’s: word.” —cowardly and unstable. 7. He follows afar off, consorts with his enemies and denies his master with cursing (Matt. 26:57-75). Peter the First a fail ure. Transition. Weeps bitterly (Matt. 26:75). Receives a message from Christ (Mark 16:7).. Fully restored in love (John 21:15-17). .. Peter the Second. Now we have Peter the Second endued .at Pentecost; a new kind of man. Preaching, explains, charges with the crucifixion (Acts 2:1, etc.). His first con verts (Acts 2:41). A miracle (Acts 3:6-16). “Silver and gold have I none.” Filled with Holy Ghost boldness (Acts 4:8-13)............. Could not but speak (Acts 4:18-20). Praise meeting (Acts 4:24-26). Place shaken. Filled (Acts 4:31). The sick, v. 19; doors open, v. 28, 30; disobeyed rulers, v. 40, 42; beaten, rejoic- ing, ceased not, irresistible. Peter now a rock. Crucified, shouting “None but Jesus” (Acts 5:15).— E. P. Marvin.
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