Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "New Birth" is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. This doctrine is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the Gospel of John, and is further expounded upon in the epistles of the New Testament.Biblical Foundation The term "New Birth" is synonymous with being "born again," a phrase that originates from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. In John 3:3, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This statement underscores the necessity of a spiritual transformation that transcends physical birth. Jesus further explains in John 3:5-6, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit." Here, Jesus distinguishes between physical birth and spiritual rebirth, indicating that the latter is essential for salvation and entry into heaven. The Role of the Holy Spirit The New Birth is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who regenerates and renews the believer. In Titus 3:5, the Apostle 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." This passage highlights that the New Birth is an act of divine grace, not human effort, and is accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit. Faith and Repentance The New Birth is closely associated with faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin. In 1 Peter 1:23, it is written, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." This indicates that the New Birth is initiated by the Word of God, which convicts individuals of their sin and leads them to faith in Christ. Repentance, a turning away from sin and turning toward God, is also integral to the New Birth. Acts 2:38 records the Apostle Peter's exhortation, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This call to repentance and baptism signifies the outward expression of the inward transformation that characterizes the New Birth. Transformation and New Life The New Birth results in a profound transformation of the believer's life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation involves a renewal of the mind and heart, leading to a life that reflects the character and values of Christ. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this transformation in Ephesians 4:22-24, urging believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Assurance of Salvation The New Birth provides believers with the assurance of salvation and eternal life. In 1 John 5:11-12, it is affirmed, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." This assurance is rooted in the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ, the source of eternal life. In summary, the New Birth is an essential doctrine that underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a divine work of grace, accomplished through the Holy Spirit, and is characterized by faith, repentance, and a transformed life. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 3:3Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The New Birth Necessity of the New Birth. John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17 Questions About Regeneration The Believer a New Creature Sons and Heirs The New Nature The Hardness of the Way. Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry. Regeneration The victory of Faith Resources What is the New Age movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Old Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences? | 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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