In biology class we learn that when a sperm enters the egg, a change takes place almost instantaneously that prevents further sperm from entering the egg through the acrosomal process. Salvation is also an instantaneous process, but the Bible speaks of it from two different perspectives, ours and God's.
From our perspective, salvation happens when we believe. But from God's perspective, it is when He gives us new birth (literally, a new conception). In the former, our will is involved (John 1:12). In the later, our will is not involved (John 1:13).
Until recently I haven't given much thought to which happens first. I've assumed that at the actual moment of salvation, I believe, and therefore God gives me new birth. But lately I've been thinking perhaps it is the other way around: I believe because God gives me new birth. My saving faith is result of the new birth. What do you think?
From our perspective, salvation happens when we believe. But from God's perspective, it is when He gives us new birth (literally, a new conception). In the former, our will is involved (John 1:12). In the later, our will is not involved (John 1:13).
Until recently I haven't given much thought to which happens first. I've assumed that at the actual moment of salvation, I believe, and therefore God gives me new birth. But lately I've been thinking perhaps it is the other way around: I believe because God gives me new birth. My saving faith is result of the new birth. What do you think?