The Means of Regenerating Grace

At a time of His sovereign choosing, the Lord grants regeneration to the elect while they are hearing the gospel proclaimed. As soon as God opens the sinners eyes, ears and hearts to the gospel it is understood and he beholds the beauty, truth and excellency of Christ for the first time.

The hearing of the Word of God is a necessary means through which comes the faith which appropriates salvation. However, the word does not, in and of itself, produce faith. It is only when joined with the power of the Holy Spirit that the Word of God has the power to graciously open our eyes, ears and heart to the gospel.

You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God..." 1 Peter 1:23-25

"Truths and prospects are already contained in the word of God; but without the light of the Spirit they are not discerned...You will not understand, or discern the truth as it is in Jesus, unless the Lord the Spirit shews it to you. The dispensation of truth is in his hand; and without him all the fancied advantages of superior capacity, learning, criticism, and books, will prove as useless as spectacles to the blind."" - John Newton