Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," also known as being "born again," is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative work of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer. This spiritual rebirth is essential for entering the Kingdom of God and is a central theme in the teachings of the New Testament.Biblical Foundation The term "born again" is most prominently introduced in the Gospel of John during Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). This statement underscores the necessity of a spiritual rebirth, distinct from physical birth, to experience the fullness of God's kingdom. Effected by Christ The new birth is effected by Christ through His redemptive work on the cross and the subsequent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means by which believers are cleansed from sin and made new. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this transformation, stating, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new creation is a direct result of Christ's atoning sacrifice and the believer's union with Him. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the new birth, as it is through the Spirit that believers are regenerated and renewed. Jesus explains to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). The Spirit's work in regeneration is further emphasized in Titus 3:5, where Paul writes, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" . Faith and Repentance The new birth is closely associated with faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin. It is through faith that individuals receive the grace of God and are justified before Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 highlights this, stating, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Repentance, a turning away from sin and turning toward God, is also integral to the process of being born again, as it reflects a heart transformed by the Spirit. Evidence of the New Birth The evidence of the new birth is manifested in a transformed life, characterized by the fruit of the Spirit and a growing conformity to the image of Christ. The Apostle John writes, "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God" (1 John 3:9). This transformation is not a result of human effort but is the work of Christ and the Spirit within the believer. Conclusion The new birth, effected by Christ, is a profound and essential aspect of Christian salvation. It marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is evidenced by a life of faith, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the new birth, believers are adopted into the family of God and assured of their eternal inheritance in His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 2:29If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sunday after Easter Necessity of the New Birth. The Faculty of Faith. The New-Birth The Two Covenants: the Transition He Further Very Appositely Expounds the Meaning of the Term "Only ... Baptism, a Divinely Appointed Means of Grace. The Work of Regeneration. Christ the Conqueror of Satan Sons and Heirs Resources What are the New Heavens and the New Earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Reformation? | GotQuestions.org What is the New Covenant? | GotQuestions.org New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning New Moon: Traffic at Time of, Suspended Select Readings: The New Heaven and the New Earth The New Birth is for the Glory of God The New Birth is of the Mercy of God The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: A Spiritual Resurrection The New Birth: All Saints Partake of The New Birth: Circumcision of the Heart The New Birth: Connected With Adoption The New Birth: Effected by Christ The New Birth: Effected by God The New Birth: Effected by The Holy Spirit The New Birth: Evidenced by Brotherly Love The New Birth: Evidenced by Faith in Christ The New Birth: Evidenced by Righteousness The New Birth: Manner of Effecting--Illustrated The New Birth: Newness of Life The New Birth: None Can Enter Heaven Without The New Birth: Partaking of the Divine Nature The New Birth: Preserves from Satan's Devices The New Birth: Produces Delight in God's Law The New Birth: Produces Hatred of Sin The New Birth: Produces Knowledge of God The New Birth: Produces Likeness to Christ The New Birth: Produces Likeness to God The New Birth: Produces Victory Over the World The New Birth: Putting on the New Man The New Birth: The Corruption of Human Nature Requires The New Birth: The Ignorant Cavil At The New Birth: The Washing of Regeneration The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Ministry of the Gospel The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Resurrection of Christ The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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