Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "New Birth" or being "born again" is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, signifying a spiritual rebirth and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is often described as entering into a "newness of life," a phrase that encapsulates the profound change in a believer's identity, purpose, and relationship with God.Biblical Foundation The term "born again" is most famously articulated 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 new birth is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual one, as Jesus further explains, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). The Apostle Peter also emphasizes this concept, writing, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God" (1 Peter 1:23). This highlights the eternal nature of the new birth, rooted in the divine and unchanging Word of God. Newness of Life The Apostle Paul expands on the implications of the new birth in his epistles, particularly in Romans. He writes, "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). This "newness of life" signifies a departure from the old self, characterized by sin and separation from God, and an embrace of a new identity in Christ. Paul further elaborates in 2 Corinthians 5:17, stating, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" . This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a fundamental change in nature, brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the new birth and the believer's subsequent walk in newness of life. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Guide, who would lead believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit's work in regeneration is essential, as Paul notes in Titus 3:5, "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" . Practical Implications The new birth results in a transformed life that bears fruit in accordance with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control . These attributes reflect the character of Christ and are evidence of the Spirit's work in the believer's life. Moreover, the new birth calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience. As Paul exhorts in Ephesians 4:22-24, "Put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" . Conclusion The new birth and the resulting newness of life are central to the Christian experience, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of transformation and sanctification. Through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live in a manner that reflects their new identity as children of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 6:4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life See How St. Paul Sets Forth the Salvation... Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles ... The Works of the Unregenerate Can be Pleasing to God, and are ... Life from the Dead Sons and Heirs "But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ... Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ... The Sovereignty of God in Operation The New-Birth Resources What does it mean that a Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the New Calvinists, and what are the beliefs of New Calvinism? | GotQuestions.org How can I help new believers? | 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) |
    |