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 transformative experience is marked by a profound change in the believer's life, characterized by a renewed heart and mind. One of the most significant evidences of this new birth is the manifestation of brotherly love, a central theme in the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The new birth is introduced by Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus, as recorded 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 spiritual rebirth is not of human origin but is a work of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus further explains, "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" (John 3:8).

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the new birth, linking it to the enduring word of God: "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).

Brotherly Love as Evidence

The evidence of the new birth is most clearly seen in the believer's love for others, particularly fellow believers. The Apostle John, in his first epistle, underscores this truth: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14). This love is not merely an emotional affection but is demonstrated through actions and truth, as John further instructs, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth" (1 John 3:18).

The Apostle Paul also highlights the importance of love as a fruit of the Spirit, which is a result of the new birth: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22). This love is a reflection of the believer's new nature in Christ and serves as a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Implications

Brotherly love, as evidence of the new birth, has practical implications for the Christian community. It fosters unity, encourages mutual support, and builds up the body of Christ. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "Let brotherly love continue" (Hebrews 13:1), emphasizing its ongoing and essential role in the life of the church.

Moreover, Jesus Himself set the standard for this love, commanding His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This sacrificial love, modeled by Christ, is the hallmark of true discipleship and a compelling witness to the world: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).

Conclusion

The new birth, evidenced by brotherly love, is a transformative experience that marks the believer's entrance into the family of God. It is a divine work of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life characterized by love, unity, and service within the Christian community. This love, rooted in the example of Christ, serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of the Gospel and the transformative power of God's grace.1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On God's vineyard
... The new birth, therefore, is the first point of sanctification ... But this desire must
be evidenced by three marks ... In their favour he hath wrought a new thing in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 107 on gods vineyard.htm

The Princesses of the Comneni
... to secure possession of the document which evidenced her pledge ... It inaugurated a
new era in the relations between ... his being the author of my birth, his quality ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xiv the princesses of the.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... in, [121]37; superior to natural birth, [122]88 ... Brotherly affection best shown in
spiritual aid, [181]67. ... 76; made the wine at Cana without a new creation, yet ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... thoughts about religion and salvation, the new birth did never ... with an inexhaustible
store of things new and old ... word of faith, and that be evidenced by parting ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Introductory Note to the Works of Origen.
... parents were Christian at the time of his birth. ... these, afterwards Gregory Thaumaturgus,
Bishop of New C??sarea, has ... sphere of his influence is evidenced in a ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/introductory note to the works.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... Having drunk deeply at the fountain of divine love, his heart ... His Spirit make us
new heart. ... That his reformation was thorough, was evidenced by the soberness ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

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New: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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