Charles Spurgeon wrote, "The work of regeneration and the act of faith which brings justification to the penitent sinner are simultaneous and must, in the nature of the case, always be so." Spurgeon made it clear that regeneration and saving faith cannot be separated.
Spurgeon maintained that regeneration and saving faith occur simultaneously. That is to say, we cannot be born again without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise, we cannot truly have saving faith in Christ and not be born again (1 John 5:1). Spurgeon used an illustration to show the connection between new birth and believing in Christ. They are like two spokes on a wagon wheel. Both of them move together as the wheel turns.
We are saved, when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). We are saved when our hearts are changed by the grace of God to believe on Christ (Romans 10:10). Conversion is our response to the Gospel, through repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21).
Therefore, regeneration is new birth for all who believe on Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 10:9). Likewise, regeneration means we are born again believers in Christ (John 1:12-13). We are saved, when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31). New birth and believing the gospel are inseparable.
