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 a result of human effort or decision but is initiated and accomplished by the sovereign will of God.Biblical Foundation The doctrine of the new birth is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explains the necessity of being born again to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus states, "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 birth. The Apostle John further elaborates on the divine origin of this new birth in the prologue of his Gospel: "children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God" (John 1:13). This passage underscores that the new birth is not a result of human lineage, effort, or decision, but is entirely an act of God's will. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of the new birth. In John 3:6-8, Jesus explains, "Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ 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" . The Spirit's work in regeneration is mysterious and sovereign, akin to the wind's unpredictable movement. The Will of God in Salvation The new birth is a manifestation of God's sovereign will in the salvation of individuals. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, writes, "He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Ephesians 1:5). This predestination and adoption are acts of divine grace, initiated by God's will and purpose. James also affirms the divine initiative in the new birth: "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" refers to the gospel message, which God uses as the means to bring about the new birth in the lives of believers. Implications for Believers Understanding that the new birth is of the will of God has profound implications for believers. It emphasizes the grace and mercy of God in salvation, highlighting that it is not based on human merit or effort. This understanding fosters humility and gratitude among believers, as they recognize their dependence on God's sovereign grace. Furthermore, the new birth results in a transformed life, characterized by a new nature and a desire to live in accordance with God's will. As Paul writes 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 transformation is evidence of the Spirit's work and the fulfillment of God's will in the believer's life. 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 Library The New Birth The Marks of the New Birth The New-Birth God's Will and Man's Will The Work of Regeneration. Suffering the Birth-Pains of a New Life. The Works of the Unregenerate Can be Pleasing to God, and are ... God's Workmanship and Our Works On Living Without God The Believer a New Creature 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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