Divine Leaven
The principle of regeneration is a universal principle that spreads itself over the soul, infusing habits of all grace and turning the penitent from all sin.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of regeneration, describing it as a divine leaven that permeates the entire soul of a penitent believer at conversion. This principle of grace is universal, spreading through all faculties and opposing sin in every form. Just as light dispels darkness and heat counters cold, the grace infused by God leads the penitent to turn away from sin and embrace a new life. Brooks illustrates the profound change that occurs within the believer, highlighting the contrast between grace and sin.
Text
The principle of regeneration, and seed of grace, which God
lays into the soul of every penitent person at first conversion
--is a universal principle, a principle which spreads itself over
all the faculties of the soul. In regeneration there is infused
the habits or principles of all grace, which like a divine
leaven spreads itself over the whole man.
Look! as heaven is contrary to all of hell, and as light is
contrary to all darkness, and heat to all cold--just so, that
divine, that noble, that universal principle of grace, which
God at first conversion infuses into the penitent's soul, is
contrary to all sin; and therefore the penitent turns from
all sin.
Sermon Outline
- The Principle of Regeneration
- A universal principle that spreads over all faculties of the soul
- Infuses habits or principles of all grace
- Like a divine leaven, it spreads over the whole man
Key Quotes
“Look! as heaven is contrary to all of hell, and as light is contrary to all darkness, and heat to all cold--just so, that divine, that noble, that universal principle of grace, which God at first conversion infuses into the penitent's soul, is contrary to all sin;” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize the universal principle of regeneration in your life and how it affects your soul.
- Turn from all sin by embracing the principle of regeneration.
- Understand the contrast between regeneration and sin, and how it leads to a life of righteousness.