Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," often referred to as being "born again," is a fundamental tenet of Christian theology, signifying a spiritual rebirth and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is facilitated through the ministry of the Gospel, which serves as the divine instrument by which individuals are brought into a new relationship with God.Biblical Foundation The notion of the new birth is rooted in Scripture, with one of the most explicit references found in Jesus' conversation with 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 passage underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entry into the kingdom of God, highlighting the transformative power of the Gospel. The Role of the Gospel The Gospel, as the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, is the means by which the new birth is effected. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the power of the Gospel in Romans 1:16, stating, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The Gospel message, when proclaimed and received in faith, becomes the catalyst for the new birth, bringing individuals from spiritual death to life. The Ministry of the Gospel The ministry of the Gospel involves the preaching and teaching of God's Word, which is central to the process of spiritual rebirth. In 1 Peter 1:23, the Apostle Peter writes, "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God." This passage highlights the enduring nature of the Word as the seed that brings about new life in the believer. The Work of the Holy Spirit While the Gospel is the instrument, the Holy Spirit is the agent who applies the truth of the Gospel to the heart of the believer. Jesus 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." The Spirit works in conjunction with the Gospel to convict, regenerate, and indwell the believer, effecting the new birth. The Role of Faith Faith is the response to the Gospel that activates the new birth. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." Faith, as a gift from God, is the means by which individuals receive the new life offered through the Gospel. The Evidence of the New Birth The new birth results in a transformed life, characterized by a new nature and a desire to live in accordance with God's will. The Apostle Paul describes this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This change is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and a growing conformity to the image of Christ. Conclusion The new birth, facilitated through the ministry of the Gospel, is a profound work of God that brings individuals into a new and eternal relationship with Him. Through the proclamation of the Gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the response of faith, believers experience the transformative power of being born again, becoming new creations in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 4:15For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Holy Spirit of Promise Final Settlement of the Church by St. John Our Manifesto A Seeker for Truth Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments. The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... V. ... The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions. Modern Examples of Prayer 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) |
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