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 an individual becomes a new creation in Christ. This transformation is intricately linked to the Word of God, which serves as the divine instrument through which the new birth is effected.Biblical Foundation The new birth is explicitly mentioned 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 passage underscores the necessity of a spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of God. The Role of the Word of God The Word of God is central to the process of the new birth. 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" (1 Peter 1:23). This verse highlights the enduring and imperishable nature of the Word, which acts as the seed initiating the new birth. James further elaborates on this concept, stating, "He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation" (James 1:18). Here, the "word of truth" is identified as the means by which God brings about the new birth, emphasizing the divine initiative and purpose in this transformative act. The Nature of the New Birth The new birth is a spiritual regeneration, a radical change in the individual's nature. 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 passage illustrates the profound change that occurs, marking the transition from the old self to a new life in Christ. The Word as a Living and Active Agent The Word of God is not merely a static text but is described as living and active. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" . This dynamic quality of the Word enables it to penetrate the human heart, convicting and transforming individuals as part of the new birth process. Faith and the Word Faith is a crucial component in the new birth, and it comes through hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 affirms, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" . The proclamation and reception of the Word are essential for the awakening of faith, which is instrumental in the new birth. The Work of the Holy Spirit While the Word of God is the instrument, the Holy Spirit is the agent who applies the Word to the heart, bringing about the new birth. 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 Word to effectuate the new birth, ensuring that it is a divine act rather than a human endeavor. Conclusion The new birth, facilitated through the Word of God, is a cornerstone of Christian belief, signifying the profound transformation that occurs when an individual is regenerated by the Spirit. This doctrine underscores the power and necessity of the Word in bringing about spiritual renewal and entry into the kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:23 Library Final Settlement of the Church by St. John The Holy Spirit of Promise Entire Sanctification as Taught by Peter. Let us Now Examine the Conditions under which a Revelation May be ... Our Manifesto V. ... Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments. Perseverance in Holiness Gregory Again Discusses the Generation of the Only-Begotten, and ... In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... 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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