Though we may struggle to wrap our minds around the specifics of the regeneration and sanctification process of a man’s heart and life. We do know there are indicators that tell the story of the regenerate life. Such as eternal fruits or lack there of. I recently read a sermon by Spurgeon addressing the Baptismal Regeneration issue of his time and I came upon this phrase ipse dixit. Latin for “he himself said it”. He used this phrase in regards to the requirements for regeneration, mainly faith. Today, society would deem this statement to describe zero grounds to prove anything. Such as in the court of law: You have no proof other than a man’s word. I’ll provide the context of Spurgeon’s message: 

This faith is spiritual in its nature and effects; it operates upon the entire man; it changes his heart, enlightens his judgement, and subdues his will; it subjects him to God’s supremacy, and makes him receive God’s Word as a little child, willing to receive the truth upon the ipse dixit of the divine One; it sanctifies his intellect, and makes him willing to be taught God’s Word; it cleanses within; it makes clean the inside of the cup and platter, and it beautifies without;

Spurgeon is addressing the issue of those who believe regeneration takes place at the moment of baptism as if the act of baptism produces regeneration. On the contrary Spurgeon clearly counters this false teaching and provides biblical grounds for regeneration. Faith, as the requisite to salvation. It is imperative for any transformation to take place. A faith that produces the attitude of ipse dixit towards the father. Such a faith that humbles the proud heart of any man. Spurgeon outlines that this faith is a gift of God. This believing consists of “an accrediting of the testimony of God about his son…and to confide in it”  to let go of our own feelings and actions and to solely trust in Christ. To do so, produces in us such a faith that submits to anything the Father says. A transformed mind that has raised ears at anything He proclaims. “Creator, God said it. I’m listening. I’m obeying” How awesome is our God to humble the proud and reconcile himself to us in this way! This isn’t some, “Okay, I believe. Now I can get on with my life.” kind of thing. This is a radical change that produces in us a trust that doesn’t require anything other than the proclamation of God’s word to our hearts. Nothing outside of His word is needed. 

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. - Romans 1:17-20