Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," often referred to as being "born again," is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative process by which a believer becomes a new creation in Christ. This transformation is not merely a change in status but involves a profound renewal of the individual's nature, aligning them more closely with the character and likeness of God.Biblical Foundation The foundation for the doctrine of the new birth is found in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. 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 described as being "born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5), indicating a spiritual rebirth that transcends physical existence. Transformation into God's Likeness The new birth initiates a process of sanctification, whereby the believer is progressively conformed to the image of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells the believer and cultivates the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23). Moral and Ethical Renewal The new birth results in a moral and ethical renewal, as the believer's life begins to reflect God's holiness and righteousness. Ephesians 4:24 exhorts believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This new self is characterized by a departure from the sinful patterns of the old nature and an embrace of a life that mirrors God's moral attributes. Participation in the Divine Nature Peter speaks of believers as "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4), suggesting that the new birth enables a participation in God's own nature. This participation is not a blurring of the distinction between Creator and creature but rather an invitation to share in the qualities that reflect God's character, such as love, mercy, and truth. Evidence of the New Birth The evidence of the new birth is seen in a life that increasingly resembles the character of God. 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 does not imply sinless perfection but indicates a fundamental change in the believer's relationship with sin, marked by a growing desire for holiness and obedience to God's commands. Love as the Hallmark of Likeness to God A key aspect of the likeness to God produced by the new birth is love. John emphasizes, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). Love, as the defining attribute of God's nature, becomes the hallmark of those who have experienced the new birth, manifesting in their relationships with others. Conclusion The new birth is a transformative work of God that produces a likeness to Him in the believer. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the believer is renewed in mind and spirit, reflecting God's character in increasing measure. This transformation is evidenced by a life of holiness, righteousness, and love, marking the believer as a true child of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:24And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:10 Library Outward and Inward Morality Clement of Alexandria. Nicodemus Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder The New Nature On the Conception of Our Lady, Also on Her Birth And God Himself, as an Earnest of Future Reward... This Reasoning and Intelligent Creature, Man, at once the Work and ... Introduction Of Creation in General. 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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