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 transformative experience is not merely a change in status but a profound renewal of the heart and mind, resulting in a newfound delight in God's law.Biblical Foundation The new birth is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-7 : "Jesus replied, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' 'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?' Jesus answered, '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. Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’" This passage underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth, which is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. The new birth is not a human endeavor but a divine act that transforms the believer's heart, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. Delight in God's Law One of the most significant outcomes of the new birth is a deep-seated delight in God's law. This delight is not a mere appreciation but a heartfelt joy and commitment to living according to God's commandments. The psalmist expresses this sentiment in Psalm 1:2 : "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." The new birth instills a love for God's law because it reflects His character and will. The Apostle Paul echoes this transformation in Romans 7:22 : "For in my inner being I delight in God’s law." This delight is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in the believer, aligning their desires with God's purposes. Transformation of Desires The new birth brings about a radical change in the believer's desires and affections. Prior to this transformation, individuals are often inclined towards sin and self-centeredness. However, through the new birth, the Holy Spirit renews the mind and heart, creating a desire to obey and honor God. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks to this transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This change is not superficial but a profound reorientation of the entire being towards God and His righteous standards. The believer's delight in God's law becomes a natural expression of their new identity in Christ. Evidence of Genuine Faith Delight in God's law serves as evidence of genuine faith and the authenticity of the new birth. Jesus taught that true discipleship is marked by obedience to His commands, as seen in John 14:15 : "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The new birth empowers believers to live out this love through joyful obedience. Moreover, the Apostle John emphasizes that love for God and obedience to His commandments are inseparable in 1 John 5:3 : "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." The new birth transforms the believer's perspective, making God's commandments a source of joy rather than a burden. Conclusion The new birth, as a work of the Holy Spirit, produces a profound delight in God's law. This transformation is characterized by a renewed heart and mind, a reorientation of desires, and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will. Through the new birth, believers experience the joy and freedom that come from delighting in the law of the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The New Nature Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ... Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder Of Creation in General. Anti-Pelagian Writings The Epistle of St. James V. ... Love's Logic Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life Our Manifesto Resources What is the New Age movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Apostolic Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Old Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences? | 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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