Pastoral Post-its:

A: Well, obviously, it isn't talking about "all things" for the human anatomy is not changed or altered in the new birth, i.e. the hair doesn't change color, the scars do not go away, etc. And obviously, it isn't talking about a change in circumstances, for a person's financial woes are not suddenly taken away, nor is his headache problem suddenly relieved, neither is his wife suddenly sweet and kind and his children and dog suddenly obedient. The person who insists that the phrase “all things” means “all things,” then, has some real explaining to do.
So, the sentence doesn't mean that "everything has changed," but rather, that "regeneration is a fresh start, a new beginning, a year of Jubile." The thought "old things are passed...all things are new" is simply a way of saying "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."
What kind of things are new? The context answers that as a result of our new identity, we have a new perspective on everything: (1) we have a new relationship with God—a relationship of amity, not enmity (vs. 18-20); (2) we have a new view of death; physical death is no longer the tragedy that it once was (vs 1-8); (3) we have a new motivation for obedience—Christ’s love, not fear of punishment (v. 14); (4) we have a new aim or ambition in life—the glory of Christ, not self-gratification (vs 15-16). It is in that sense that we are to understand the statement that "all things are become new."

A: I think I would first acknowledge that it is good that this person makes a distinction between something "positional" and something "experiential." That is a distinction that very few people see and make. Next, I would insist that this person has left out a very important step between the "positional" and the "experiential," i.e. the "vital" step.
To say that something was done on the cross that we will later receive in heaven, and that we now apprehend that by faith as we hear and believe the gospel, discounts the fact that unless something is done IN a man, he cannot understand the gospel, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God..." Faith itself is a "fruit of the Spirit." Romans 8:9 speaks of "The Spirit of Christ dwelling IN you." Col. 1:27 speaks of "Christ IN you the hope of glory." And many other verses talk about the need for a personal, vital change in the heart of man before he can hear and believe the gospel. It seems to me that the error of the argument is the omission of the "vital" phase of salvation.

A number of the messages preached at Lexington PBC may be found online at
http://www.sovgrace.net/multimedia. Archived sermons are being added on a weekly basis, so check back often for updates.

A Christian apologetic for the person in the pew, this volume aims to equip both the young and the more mature believer in defending the faith. REVISED & UPDATED EDITION Author: Michael L. Gowens ISBN: 978-1-929635-08-5 340 pp, Perfect-bound Paperback Dimensions: 6.00" x 9.00" Retail $25.00