In all the things which are out from God and therefore spiritual "the mind of the flesh is death," but "the mind of the spirit is life, and PEACE." This
then is the nature of spiritual knowledge, which is the only saving knowledge. We said at the commencement that this recognition of the difference
between the "inner man" and the "outward man" would be absolutely revolutionary. Perhaps we can see this a little more clearly now. A rich
knowledge of the scriptures, an accurate technical grasp of Christian doctrine, a doing of Christian work by all the resources of "worldly wisdom" or
natural ability, a clever manipulation and interesting presentation of Bible content and themes, may get not one whit beyond the natural life of men
and still remain within the realm of spiritual death. Men cannot be argued, reasoned, fascinated, interested, 'emotioned,' willed, enthused,
impassioned, into the Kingdom of the heavens, they can only be born, and that is by spiritual quickening. This new birth brings with it new capacities
of every kind, and amongst the most vital is a new and different faculty of Divine Knowledge, understanding, and apprehension. But some may ask,
where does our brain come in? Do we understand you to mean that our human intellectual faculties are ruled out? No, not at all! But we do affirm
again that this is not primary but secondary. The human intellect is not the first instrument of our apprehension of spiritual things, the things of God,
but its function is that of giving them intelligent form to ourselves and to others. Theodore Austin-Sparks (www.austin-sparks.net)

The above excerpt is from chapter 2 of The Inner Man of the Heart, available from the specified website for free online reading and/or download.

really, that which is born of the flesh is flesh. irrespective of goodness, morality or charitable works. Jesus said we shouldn't even marvel, the newbirth is incontestable.