Logical Problems with Calvinism

[EmSw]

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10) "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death." (1 John 5:17)

So I see man has to do something about his sin. What if a man does not confess his sin? How is he forgiven and cleansed?

 

[GillDouglas]

So I see man has to do something about his sin. What if a man does not confess his sin? How is he forgiven and cleansed?

A man is not forgiven and cleansed by his confession. A man forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Christ will confess his sins.

 

[GillDouglas]

Actually we are all making assumptions when we use the word "regeneration" here and link it to the only place it is used as such - namely Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"

It amazes me how many amateur theologians from both sides of the fence seem to believe that they possess insights into how things work in the spiritual world that they couldn't possibly possess.

Last time I looked the debate was still ongoing concerning the dichotomy and the trichotomy of man - or the relationship of the soul to the spirit in man.

No one here has likely seen a ministering spirit in the form of an angel. No one here has seen the Holy Spirit of God. No one here knows what a human spirit looks like or how the Holy Spirit unites with that spirit to bring it to life after it was apparently born dead.

The one thing that almost all theologians agree on though is that the function of the human spirit is to commune with and understand God's revelations.

If we choose to use the term "regeneration" for the reuniting of the Holy Spirit and the human spirit we seem to want to know when this happens.

Calvinists tent to point out the fact that the natural man by virtue of his dead spirit has limitations when it comes to understand God. They believe that the spirit must be united with the Holy Spirit again in order to overcome those limitations. That makes sense. But there are issues that arise.

The Bible says that no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Peter that it was the Father who had revealed the truth about the Lord to Peter (presumably through the spiritual connection).

The Bible shows us that Lydia had her heart opened by God in order that she could believe the gospel when it was preached to her.

Also it is obvious that generation comes before birth in the illustration used by the Lord. Therefore regeneration should come logically before being born-again.

The problem for non-Calvinist types is that it doesn't seem that the scriptures teach that everyone in the world gets to have this spiritual awakening.

As William Shakespeare would say, "Therein lies the rub."

Non-Reformed types must and will go through a number of gyrations to get around the doctrine of election that results from combining these scriptural ideas with all of the times believers are called "elect" and "called" in the scriptures.

They have to believe that spiritually dead men come to the Lord and understand who He is and accept the provisions of the gospel before spiritual rebirth. Then God rewards the dead man for his unique abilities by giving him the spiritual life that he (apparently) doesn't really need to have.

I don't know how these things work in a spirit world that I can hardly understand even a little. I don't know exactly how the process works related to the salvation process. It may be a gradual enlightenment by the Holy Spirit or it may be an instantaneous thing. I simply don't know.

All I know is that the Father is the one who enlightens some by using in some way His Holy Spirit. I know that no one can come to the Son unless drawn by the Father. I know that no one can even believe on Christ except by the work of the Spirit of God.

You can do anything you want to do to these facts from scripture in order to stay away from a doctrine about how these things work that you deem to be unfair.

I have no such hangups about the fairness of God. I trust Him. I'm OK with just believing what the scriptures seem to obviously teach.

If you would simply agree to certain facts concerning election and predestination we might well just forget the term "regeneration" all together. But you will not believe God because you think that it would make Him unfair.

But then - to top it all off - you also believe that this regeneration can happen again and again in light of the idea that men can die spiritually again and again in life depending on their obedience.

I find your particular gyrations and those of some others here to be amazing.

No one has to adopt every doctrine that comes out of the mouth of full blown Calvinists. Heck - I certainly don't.

But it would really be nice if you could get just the basics down first before you presumed to teach other believers here on the net.

Amen! Well said.

 

[nobdysfool]

Let's see, you are next. If you keep perpetuating the straw man argument, you will get nowhere with me.

Do you think heaven will allow a perpetual sinner who continually lusts after the pleasures of forbidden sex? Is heaven for perpetual and lustful sinners? Does your heaven accept perpetual murderers, liars, thieves, idolaters, haters, lustful perverts, and wicked men if they saved? I don't want to enter that heaven, if that's true. The heaven I enter, will be filled with holiness, righteousness, love, truthfulness, beauty, and obedient children, who have surrendered themselves to the truths of the Lord. But, you will get what you desire, and this heaven will be waiting for you with open arms. You will still have wonder if the person next to you is a thief or sexual pervert in your heaven.

This is typical of your method. You put words in other peoples' mouths that they did not say. You try to make it seem as if they have said horrible, blasphemous things, when it is YOU who is saying these things! Your post in no way addresses what I said, and it's plain for all to see. I answered your question to me in a straightforward manner, and you reply with this filth!

If Jesus has forgiven a man of his sins, who are you to still hold them against him? That is precisely the underlying theme of your words here. Your words show your opinion of me, because I dare to withstand you and tell you that you're wrong. You are trying to implicate me and others in sins that you not only have no proof that we ever committed any of them, it is not your station to judge anyone who does commit them. Yet that is exactly what you do.

 

[Marvin Knox]

Many people have been exposed to the Word of God and rejected it. So both statements are in error.

You can't be serious.

That's about the lamest argumentative thing I've heard lately.

Except there are no passages of Scripture that equate the 2. That spiritual regeneration is a process like physical generation. That is an assumption.

It's an assumption that even Nicodemus should have been able to make considering his position.

Not understanding it was why he got put on the carpet.

Why on earth do you think Jesus gave us such an illustration if we aren't suppose to be able to connect the dots?

If it were basic Word of God, there would be clear passages about it and no need for discussion.

There are clear passages about it. You just don't want to agree with them because they don't match your particular theology.

However, the one who says that Jesus is Lord has already believed. So this doesn't determine order of believing and regeneration.

If everyone can't figure out where you go wrong with that statement, I can't help them.

Uh, "within her"? Really? Which verse gave you that insight? Here is Acts 16:14 - A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

I'm not seeing anything about the Holy Spirit "within her".

What it shouldn't lead to is making stuff up or inserting what isn't there in the text. Like "within her".

Where do you think the Holy Spirit was, sitting on her shoulder? Do you think He just shouted it from across the river or something? Perhaps He opened her heart by remote operation or something.

You're just looking at this point to make silly arguments like this entire post .

That being the case - this will about do it for us - again.

John the Revelator was quite clear about not adding to the Word of God: "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book" Rev 22:18

I know this verse applies directly to the book of Revelation. But why wouldn't the principle be the same for all the other books of the Bible?

I assume you're talking about my saying "the Holy Spirit within her."

If that's the case then even the Lord is probably shaking His head over you at this point.

 

[EmSw]

A man is not forgiven and cleansed by his confession. A man forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Christ will confess his sins.

It's your choice to believe the word or not. I see you have freely made your decision.

 

[EmSw]

This is typical of your method. You put words in other peoples' mouths that they did not say. You try to make it seem as if they have said horrible, blasphemous things, when it is YOU who is saying these things! Your post in no way addresses what I said, and it's plain for all to see. I answered your question to me in a straightforward manner, and you reply with this filth!

If Jesus has forgiven a man of his sins, who are you to still hold them against him? That is precisely the underlying theme of your words here. Your words show your opinion of me, because I dare to withstand you and tell you that you're wrong. You are trying to implicate me and others in sins that you not only have no proof that we ever committed any of them, it is not your station to judge anyone who does commit them. Yet that is exactly what you do.

Whatever!

 

[Marvin Knox]

Regeneration and new birth are absolutely the same thing. I don't have much time to spend on doubters, but Strong's says the following of regeneration:

new birth, reproduction, renewal, recreation, regeneration

If you want to define it as your heart desires, go right ahead, but please, don't mislead others.

We've talked before about your using Strong's commentary like a Greek lexicon.

As always you just won't be corrected.

Enough of the insults, okay?

I guess I don't see it as an insult to point out that some folks are a bit dense.

If I do seem a little aggressive it's because so many (especially you it seems) just will not be corrected on what should be rather basic stuff.

Take the last post by FreeGrace2 for instance. It is downright silly and makes no sense in some places. But he just had to say something because what I said undermined what his doctrine is all about regarding his criticism of Reformed theology.

When people try hard to come up with interpretations of a certain kind simply so that the Word fits better with their preconceived theology - I have a big problem with that and I loose patience.

You're right though. I'll try to watch how I speak to those who keep making the same mistakes over and over again.

I am very attentative to the voice of the Lord. I have changed my views many times as the Lord leads me. This is what walking in the light does; it shows you the truth if you choose to discard any of your heart's desires and teachings of men.

If I really thought that you had trusted in the work of Christ at Calvary as your only hope of salvation instead of your own works as you are constantly teaching --- I would be more likely to believe that the Lord is leading you.

 

[EmSw]

We've talked before about your using Strong's commentary like a Greek lexicon.

So, you make up your own definitions? Very convenient, Marvin.

As always you just won't be corrected.

Doesn't that just get your gourd that someone won't listen to your doctrines?

I guess I don't see it as an insult to point out that some folks are a bit dense.

I do see it as an insult; so, who is correct?

If I do seem a little aggressive it's because so many (especially you it seems) just will not be corrected on what should be rather basic stuff.

I don't adhere to basic Reformed stuff. So, there is no need to be corrected. If you want to correct someone, do it to those who hold to your ilk.

Take the last post by FreeGrace2 for instance. It is downright silly and makes no sense in some places. But he just had to say something because what I said undermined what his doctrine is all about regarding his criticism of Reformed theology.

Isn't that the same for you concerning my doctrines? You just have to say something because I undermined your doctrine.

When people try hard to come up with interpretations of a certain kind simply so that the Word fits better with their preconceived theology - I have a big problem with that and I loose patience.

I'm not trying hard, in fact, it comes fairly easily. Preconceived theology would include your stance. You just don't like it because I reject your theology. And that automatically makes you a my judge.

You're right though. I'll try to watch how I speak to those who keep making the same mistakes over and over again.

You just can't say anything nice without putting in an insult.

If I really thought that you had trusted in the work of Christ at Calvary as your only hope of salvation instead of your own works as you are constantly teaching --- I would be more likely to believe that the Lord is leading you.

And why do you judge me concerning my trust in Christ? Does my trust in Christ disturb you?

According to Jesus, how does one come forth to the resurrection of life (John 5:29)? This verse alone should have you questioning your belief. But, as I have said before, man chooses according to the delight of his heart.

 

[FreeGrace2]

I have dealt with you before. However, you keep believing sinners who continue in their sin will somehow be saved. You even believe continual liars who believe are not cast into the lake of fire.

How many sins did Christ pay for?

What I am totallly convinced of is that those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation are saved forever. That is Biblical.

God's gifts, including justification (Rom 3:24,5:15,16,17) and eternal life (Rom 6:23) are irrevocable (Rom 11:29).

All believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit WHEN they believe as a promise and guarantee FOR the day of redemption: Eph 1:13,14,4:30, 2Cor 1:22, 5:5.

Paul even covered whatever may happen in the FUTURE that will NOT separate us from His love: Rom 8:39.

The Bible is clear what happens to believers who continue to rebel and be disobedient and/or unfaithful: severe discipline and loss of blessings and eternal reward.

It seems to me that those who reject eternal security are bothered by the possibility that some believer might "get away" with sinning.

But the Bible is clear that no one gets away with anything. Believers will face the Bema, and unbelievers will face the Great White Throne Judgment. No one gets away with anything.

The grace by which we are saved (Eph 2:8) is the same grace by which we are kept.

 

[FreeGrace2]

You can't be serious.

That's about the lamest argumentative thing I've heard lately.

It's an assumption that even Nicodemus should have been able to make considering his position.

Not understanding it was why he got put on the carpet.

Why on earth do you think Jesus gave us such an illustration if we aren't suppose to be able to connect the dots?

There are clear passages about it. You just don't want to agree with them because they don't match your particular theology.

If everyone can't figure out where you go wrong with that statement, I can't help them.

Where do you think the Holy Spirit was, sitting on her shoulder? Do you think He just shouted it from across the river or something? Perhaps He opened her heart by remote operation or something.

You're just looking at this point to make silly arguments like this entire post .

That being the case - this will about do it for us - again.

I assume you're talking about my saying "the Holy Spirit within her."

If that's the case then even the Lord is probably shaking His head over you at this point.

Lot's of disagreement, yet not a stitch of evidence for your position. That's not how to debate or discuss.

 

[sdowney717]

Regarding eternal life, apostle John wrote that you may may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.
10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.

11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

And the reason that you actually have eternal life is this, because you are born of God, so God is your Father, and you are of the family of God adopted as children, so you belong to Him. You have a share in His life and His life is eternal, so you partake of that same eternal nature of God. Believers are glorified together with Christ and since HE lives, you also live in Him.

1 John 5 New King James Version (NKJV)
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Whosoever believes are those whom God loved with a great love and made them alive who were dead. Ephesians 2

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes would not perish but have everlasting life.

But for those who do not believe, they do not experience the love of God, but His wrath poured out.
He that believes is not condemned (not going to hell)
He that does not believe will not see life and is already condemned (to hell) because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God.

John 3
34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life;
and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

 

[EmSw]

How many sins did Christ pay for?

So FG2, was your penalty for sin to die upon a cross? What exactly is the penalty for sin? To die for three days?

What I am totallly convinced of is that those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation are saved forever. That is Biblical.

God's gifts, including justification (Rom 3:24,5:15,16,17) and eternal life (Rom 6:23) are irrevocable (Rom 11:29).

Why are you so sure you have placed your faith in Him? What exactly did you do to accomplish this? Do you believe the very words of Jesus? Do you believe it is those who do good who come forth to the resurrection of life?

All believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit WHEN they believe as a promise and guarantee FOR the day of redemption: Eph 1:13,14,4:30, 2Cor 1:22, 5:5.

Paul even covered whatever may happen in the FUTURE that will NOT separate us from His love: Rom 8:39.

Sin will separate a person from Christ. Judas is an example.

The Bible is clear what happens to believers who continue to rebel and be disobedient and/or unfaithful: severe discipline and loss of blessings and eternal reward.

It seems to me that those who reject eternal security are bothered by the possibility that some believer might "get away" with sinning.

Oh FG2, NO ONE will 'get away' with sinning! No need to worry about losing blessings and eternal reward, for they will not enter the kingdom of God. They will be bound hand and foot, taken away, and cast into outer darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth.

But the Bible is clear that no one gets away with anything. Believers will face the Bema, and unbelievers will face the Great White Throne Judgment. No one gets away with anything.

The grace by which we are saved (Eph 2:8) is the same grace by which we are kept.

Those who do evil will come forth to the resurrection of damnation. Perhaps you missed that verse, or, you don't believe it.

 

[EmSw]

Regarding eternal life, apostle John wrote that you may may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5
9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.
10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.

11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

And the reason that you actually have eternal life is this, because you are born of God, so God is your Father, and you are of the family of God adopted as children, so you belong to Him. You have a share in His life and His life is eternal, so you partake of that same eternal nature of God. Believers are glorified together with Christ and since HE lives, you also live in Him.

1 John 5 New King James Version (NKJV)
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Whosoever believes are those whom God loved with a great love and made them alive who were dead. Ephesians 2

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes would not perish but have everlasting life.

But for those who do not believe, they do not experience the love of God, but His wrath poured out.
He that believes is not condemned (not going to hell)
He that does not believe will not see life and is already condemned (to hell) because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God.

John 3
34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life;
and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

I ask, is a person saved who does not know Jesus?

1 John 2
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

So, do you keep His commandments, that is, do something to prove your belief in Him? If you don't keep His commandments, then you don't know Him. If you say you know Him, and do not keep His commandments, John says you are a liar, and the truth is not in you.

 

[Jack Terrence]

The grace by which we are saved (Eph 2:8) is the same grace by which we are kept.

We are both saved AND kept through faith. "KEPT by the power of God THROUGH FAITH unto salvation.. "

 

[Marvin Knox]

Lot's of disagreement, yet not a stitch of evidence for your position. That's not how to debate or discuss.

You've been given scriptural evidence by the page and you will not accept it.

You even go so far as to say that the Holy Spirit who convinced people in the scriptures of the identity of Christ did not do it from "within".

You will even hold to a silly thing like that because you feel it is necessary to undermine any possible connection to election.

If you'll do a thing like that - another page or two of scriptures would be just casting truth before you so you can trample it under foot.

 

[EmSw]

I ask, is a person saved who does not know Jesus?

1 John 2
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

So, do you keep His commandments, that is, do something to prove your belief in Him? If you don't keep His commandments, then you don't know Him. If you say you know Him, and do not keep His commandments, John says you are a liar, and the truth is not in you.

Since no one has responded to this, I will bring it to the forefront once again.

Who on this forum believes anyone can be saved without the truth?

Who on this forum believes liars can be saved?

Who believes anyone can be saved without keeping His commandments?

Who believes anyone can be saved without knowing Him?

Answering these four questions will reveal quite a bit about one's beliefs.

I look forward to any submitted answers.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Also, if a person is regenerated before they have faith in Christ and the work of the cross, this means a person is saved not by the cross at first, but they are first saved by something else. But the Scriptures say,

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In other words, if one says they are saved without faith in Christ and His finished work by some kind of regeneration before faith, then they are denying that the cross is what ultimately saves us. Instead, it is some kind of regeneration as the alternative.

Granted, regeneration or the new birth is taught in Scripture. But this takes place as the result of a person believing the gospel (i.e. believing that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and was risen to given them a new life).

The Calvinist's message is heavily focused on God predetermining things. Yet, our main focus as a believer is to love others by telling them the good news. We are to be a light to a dark and dying world. Young Earth Creationists focus on Young Earth Creation. Calvinists focus on Calvinism. Yet, as good as such a teaching can be, the main focus of our ministry is not God's Soveignty, Young Earth Creationism, etc. Our main focus is to love God and love others and spread the good news of Jesus Christ and preach the power of the cross.

For I have even heard it said by some that Calvinism is the gospel.
But that really is not the case.
The gospel is defined for us in the BIble itself.
So stick with the BIble and what it says about the gospel, my friends.
I highly encourage you to relook at what you believe.
For I have re-evaluated my beliefs on various topics many times.
The question is: Are you will to do the same?
My prayer is that you will ask God to help you to be objective on this matter.

Anyways, I say this all, not to wound anyone.
But I say this in love so that you may see the Truth.
In any event, peace be unto you.
And may God bless you all.


....

 

[faroukfarouk]

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10) "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death." (1 John 5:17)

Great verses; and very relevant to the discussion.

While I think that the various points of Calvinism do relate logically to one another, the real reason for them is because of their relation to Scripture. There are also plenty of Scriptural principles which do not relate directly to Calvinism in its various definitions.

 

[sdowney717]

Jesus said this about being born again.
John 3
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born (again) of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
So two actions are involved to making a whole born again person, born again of water and the Spirit.

So what is this water?, it is the washing of regeneration.
And what is the Spirit?, the renewing in the Holy Spirit
A total agreement with Titus 3

4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is what He does, not what we do.

Jesus talks of washing in various places.
To those evil Pharisees and scribes, He tells them they must be cleansed on the inside, and notice this is not something they can do for themselves. He is telling them that is what God does.
Matthew 23
25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Then in John 13, Jesus tells them He washes them clean. They do not wash themselves clean.
John 13
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”
11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.”

Unless Christ washes us we have no part in Him. So we are born again of His washing us clean on the inside, the regeneration.
And we are renewed of the Holy Spirit to complete our being born again.
This is not water baptism, this is a work of the Holy Spirit apart from us, He makes us born again, that is born of God so that we receive the adoption as sons of God since He is our Father, we are therefore adopted into His family.

As we also read John 6, Jesus teaches that those who are drawn, and then they all come to Christ those who have heard and learned from the Father. Just as Christ washed His disciples and they were cleansed on the inside, so too are those who are drawn-dragged to Christ by God cleansed on the inside, they are born again by the Holy Spirit, and that is not of their doing, nor of their will, nor of their flesh, it is the gift of God lest any would boast.
John 1

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Those that received Him, he had already born them again of God. The flesh was excluded as being a part of the decision, it was entirely the gift of God that they were born again.