MAN’S PERVERSE NATURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1029, 21 July 1930, Page 5

MAN’S PERVERSE NATURE

NEED FOR REGENERATION “How perverse is human nature,” said Mr. Rueben E. Dowle, in speaking at the Mount Roskill Congregational Church last evening. His subject was “A Strong Perversity,” and his text John xii., 37: “But though he had done so many miracles before them yet they believed not.” CJhrist and His disciples found the Jews a stiff-necked and gainsaying people, said the speaker. In regard to religion it was as true as ever it had been. Contrariness of human nature was proverbial. Especially was this so in regard to God’s desire to bless the human race. “They will not have this man Christ to reign over them,” and some, we are told, believed, but other believed not. Lazarus had been raised to life; proof was abundant. All down the ages since the stubborness of perverted human nature was clearly observed It was a distinct proof of the fall of man and consequent depravity. Though some today feebly tried to scout this doctrine, it was clear that man was born in sin. Thus the regeneration of the soul had become necessary. “Ye must be born again," said Christ. His mission to earth was to save man from himself. Experience proved the necessity for regeneration and the power of Christ to regenerate man. Regeneration was the great need of the age. It was necessary to the justification of man in God's sight. It brought peace, real happiness, usefulness and salvation at last.