Many people believe they can initiate their salvation, either through choosing to believe or on their own merits. Yet the Bible is clear that we can’t take even the first step toward reconciliation with God on our own – we are spiritually dead and can do nothing unless we are given new life. Matthew Barrett explores regeneration – the doctrine that describes this process – to show what truly happens to us when we are saved. He compares the gospel call with the effectual call of the Holy Spirit and explains how God’s gift of a new heart and new birth, rather than anything we have done, initiates our salvation.
