To be the people of God without regeneration, is as impossible as to be the children of men without generation

To be the people of God without regeneration, is as impossible as to be the children of men without generation

Richard Baxter was a prominent English Puritan church leader, theologian, and writer who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his strong beliefs in the importance of regeneration in the Christian faith. In one of his famous quotes, Baxter stated, “To be the people of God without regeneration, is as impossible as to be the children of men without generation.” This statement reflects his belief that true faith and belonging to the people of God cannot exist without a spiritual rebirth or regeneration.

Regeneration, in Christian theology, refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their savior and is born again in the spirit. This concept is central to the teachings of many Protestant denominations, including the Puritans, who believed that regeneration was necessary for salvation and living a life of faith.

Baxter’s comparison of being the people of God without regeneration to being the children of men without generation is a powerful analogy that highlights the essential nature of spiritual rebirth in the Christian faith. Just as physical generation is necessary for human beings to exist and be part of the human race, regeneration is necessary for individuals to be part of the people of God and experience true faith and salvation.

For Baxter, true faith and belonging to the people of God were not simply a matter of outward profession or adherence to religious practices. Instead, he believed that genuine faith required a deep spiritual transformation that could only come through regeneration. Without this inner renewal and rebirth, Baxter argued that one could not truly be a part of the people of God or experience the fullness of the Christian life.