Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," also known as being "born again," is a fundamental tenet in 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 relationship with sin, characterized by a newfound hatred of sin and a desire for righteousness.Biblical Foundation The new birth is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in His conversation with 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 rebirth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit, as Jesus further explains, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). Transformation and Hatred of Sin The new birth results in a radical transformation of the believer's heart and mind. The Apostle Paul describes this change 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 includes a shift in the believer's attitude toward sin. The new nature imparted by the Holy Spirit instills a deep-seated aversion to sin and a longing for holiness. The Apostle John emphasizes this change in 1 John 3:9: "No one born of God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God" . The new birth implants God's seed within the believer, creating an inherent conflict with sin and a desire to live in accordance with God's will. Evidence of the New Birth The evidence of the new birth is seen in the believer's changed life and conduct. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers in Romans 6:11-12: "So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires" . The new birth empowers believers to resist sin and pursue righteousness, reflecting their new identity in Christ. Furthermore, the new birth produces the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . These virtues stand in stark contrast to the works of the flesh and serve as evidence of the Spirit's transformative work in the believer's life. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the new birth, convicting the believer of sin and guiding them into all truth. Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit in John 16:8: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" . This conviction leads to a genuine repentance and a turning away from sin. The Spirit's indwelling presence empowers believers to live victoriously over sin. As Paul writes in Romans 8:13: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" . The new birth, therefore, is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification, enabled by the Holy Spirit. Conclusion The new birth is a transformative experience that produces a profound hatred of sin and a desire for righteousness in the believer's life. Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to resist sin and live in accordance with God's will, reflecting their new identity as children of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:9Whoever is born of God does not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 5:18 Library Fruitless Faith Nicodemus Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Love's Logic Our Manifesto Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ... The Necessity of Divine Influences. Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ... The Epistle of St. James 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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