Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "new birth," often referred to 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 believed to produce a profound and intimate knowledge of God, which is distinct from mere intellectual understanding.Biblical Foundation The new birth is primarily discussed in the New Testament, with Jesus Himself introducing the concept in His conversation with Nicodemus. In John 3:3, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This statement underscores the necessity of spiritual rebirth to perceive and enter into the kingdom of God, which includes a deeper knowledge of God Himself. Knowledge of God Through the Spirit The new birth is intrinsically linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In John 3:5-6, 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 Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the new birth, imparting spiritual life and understanding. This spiritual awakening enables believers to know God in a personal and relational way, as the Spirit reveals the truths of God to them. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 2:12, where he writes, "We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit grants believers insight into the divine nature and will of God, which is inaccessible to the natural mind. Transformation and Renewal The new birth results in a transformation that renews the mind and heart, aligning them with God's purposes. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This renewal is a continuous process that deepens the believer's knowledge of God and His ways. Intimacy with God The new birth fosters an intimate relationship with God, characterized by love, obedience, and communion. In 1 John 4:7, the apostle writes, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." This passage highlights that the new birth not only produces knowledge of God but also manifests in love, which is the essence of God's nature. Eternal Life and Knowledge of God The knowledge of God gained through the new birth is not merely for this life but extends into eternity. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, states in John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Eternal life is intricately connected to knowing God, a relationship initiated and sustained by the new birth. Conclusion The new birth is a transformative experience that produces a profound knowledge of God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This knowledge is not just intellectual but relational, leading to a life of love, obedience, and eternal communion with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 24:7And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return to me with their whole heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:10 Library Faustus Explains the Manich??an Denial that Man was Made by God as ... Clement of Alexandria. That Faith in Christ Justifies. Nicodemus Old and New Terminology. Love's Logic Christ and Nicodemus. Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder John 3:3; 2 Cor. 5:17 Questions About Regeneration Different Degrees of Knowledge. 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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