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Series » Basics of the Faith

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About

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 the doctrine of regeneration to show us what truly happens to us when we are saved. He compares the gospel call with the effectual call and shows us how God's gift of a new heart and new birth—not anything we have done—initiates our salvation.

Basics of the Faith booklets introduce readers to basic Reformed doctrine and practice. On issues of church government and practice they reflect that framework—otherwise they are suitable for all church situations.

Endorsements

"The doctrine of effectual calling is at the heart of what it means to confess that Jesus Christ is the sole and sufficient Savior of spiritually dead sinners. Matthew Barrett does a great job of condensing this doctrine into a readable form that all can understand."

—Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University

The Author

Matthew Barrett

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of several books, including God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture, Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary, and Owen on the Christian Life.

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