You use Scripture as women use mascara; not to reveal but to conceal.
Who is the 'you' in the text you quote? The people whom Peter was writing to, right?
1 Peter 1:1-2. 'Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.'
These people were chosen by God the Father
1. according to the love He had for them from the beginning of time (prognosis: knowing in love beforehand).
2. Through the Spirit setting them apart.
3. For the purpose of their obedience to the Gospel and their cleansing from sin by the blood of Christ.
[Notice the Trinitarianism of the verse]
So the people who are born again in v.23 do not give themselves new birth (as if anyone could!), but are those who are God's elect and are regenerated by the power of the Triune God. Monergism.
That the means used is the word of God is not in dispute (James 1:18)
Every soul in heaven is elect, every soul in hell is a reprobate.
That said we just knocked out 1,2 and 3.
How we get born again is GOD's prerogative. If he wants people being born again by eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, well hey he calls the shots.
Peter has matter factly said:
1 Peter 1
23for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
^ "you have been born again through the living and enduring word of God."
Therefore WORD OF GOD makes BORN AGAIN.
Why is Peter writing it the way I WANT IT? Not the way you want it?
I don't have to give you 1, 2 ,3s Because I already agree with exactly what is said.
Your selling the word of God short. You think its weak.
John 1
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
You know what sell me this: Tell me you cannot be born again THROUGH GOD.
And I'll admit defeat.
Romans 10
14How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”
16However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Self-explanatory.
NO FAITH, NO BORN AGAIN.
WORD OF CHRIST FIRST > then you get faith> then you get born again.
It does not say you get born again first> get faith> then you hear word of GOD.
BACKWARDS, BACKWARDS, BACKWARDS.