Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the new birth, often referred to as being "born again," is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology, emphasizing a spiritual transformation that results in a believer's likeness to Christ. This transformation is initiated by the Holy Spirit and is essential for entering the Kingdom of God.Biblical Foundation The term "born again" is prominently introduced in the New Testament during Jesus' 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 new birth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit, as further explained in John 3:5-6: "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 spirit." Transformation into Christ's Likeness The new birth is not merely a change in status but a profound transformation that aligns the believer with the character and image of Christ. Romans 8:29 states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This conformity to Christ is the ultimate goal of the new birth, as believers are gradually transformed into His likeness. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." The Spirit works within believers to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which reflects Christ's character (Galatians 5:22-23). Moral and Ethical Implications The new birth results in a moral and ethical transformation, as believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Practical Outworking The likeness to Christ is evidenced in the believer's daily life through acts of love, humility, and service. Philippians 2:5-7 encourages believers to adopt the mindset of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Assurance and Hope The new birth provides assurance of salvation and hope for the future. 1 John 3:2 offers a glimpse of the ultimate transformation: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." This promise of future glory motivates believers to pursue holiness and Christlikeness in their present lives. In summary, the new birth is a transformative process that produces a likeness to Christ, affecting every aspect of a believer's life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting His character and living out His teachings in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 3:18 1 John 3:2 Library The New Nature Clement of Alexandria. Nicodemus The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Outward and Inward Morality Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life On the Conception of Our Lady, Also on Her Birth Two Prophets of the Inward Word: Bunderlin and Entfelder Caspar Schwenckfeld and the Reformation of the "Middle Way" Conclusion 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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