Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," often referred to as being "born again," is a fundamental tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative process by which an individual becomes a new creation in Christ. This transformation is not achieved through human effort or merit but is a divine act of mercy bestowed by God.Biblical Foundation The notion of the new birth is prominently featured in the New Testament. In John 3:3, Jesus declares to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This passage underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth for entry into God's kingdom. The new birth is further elucidated in John 3:5-6, where Jesus explains, "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 Role of God's Mercy The new birth is intrinsically linked to the mercy of God. 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 verse highlights that salvation and the new birth are acts of divine mercy, not rewards for human righteousness. God's mercy is the catalyst for the transformation that occurs in the believer's life. The Work of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the new birth, acting as the agent of regeneration. In John 3:8, Jesus describes the mysterious work of the Spirit: "The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." This metaphor illustrates the sovereign and unpredictable nature of the Spirit's work in bringing about the new birth. The Result of the New Birth The new birth results in a profound change in 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 Assurance of God's Mercy The assurance of God's mercy in the new birth is a source of comfort and hope for believers. 1 Peter 1:3 praises God for this merciful act: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." This living hope is rooted in the resurrection, affirming the believer's future inheritance and eternal life. Implications for Christian Living The new birth, as an act of God's mercy, calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their new identity in Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds believers of their transformation: "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!" This passage emphasizes that the new birth is not only a past event but also a present reality that influences daily conduct and spiritual growth. In summary, the new birth is a divine act of mercy, initiated by God and accomplished through the Holy Spirit, resulting in a transformed life that reflects the grace and love of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marks of the New Birth The New-Birth Baptism and Original Sin God Rejoicing in the New Creation First Catechetical Lecture of Our Holy Father Cyril, Infant Baptism. John Chapter vii. 19-24 On Living Without God The New Birth Brief Statement of the Reformed Faith, 1902. 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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